Learned Contentment
Philippians 4:12 – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
“Be content with that you have” is often used in a material way but having a content Christian heart involves far more than material items. Of course, as Christians we should not be greedy or covet possessions, as those are the antithesis of being content. We should recognize that God owns it all and what he chooses to bless me with is according to His sovereign purpose and plan.
But true Chrisitan contentment, is a heart that is content with God’s will and His sovereign purpose for my life, in other words, it’s about trusting in God’s promises. We have many first-hand accounts that tell us that God always keeps his promises. Think back to the book of Genesis and the promise made to Abraham, to bless and make him the father of many nations. Abraham was 100 years old at the time, Sarah was 90; Abraham laughed at the notion that she would conceive a son. Sarah and Abraham did in fact conceive a child, Isaac.
In the book of Joshua, God promised His people that “he will be with them wherever they go.” And in Isaiah, God promised a child, one to be called the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. That child would be Jesus who triumphed over the grave and establishing new covenant with God’s people.
New Testament promises are numerous as well, as Jesus, told us to “take heart. I have overcome the world.” Indeed, Jesus did overcome the world, through his resurrection and accession to heaven. Jesus also promised his followers that, though he was going to be with the Father, he would send us the Holy Spirit, to indwell and work in the lives of Christians. There is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of believers – who in this world, in this current culture, lives a life that consists of loving of their neighbors, loving their enemies, having the hope of God despite circumstances, living lives that are marked by faithfulness, joy, peace, selflessness, gentleness, humility and self-control. Christians living and walking by the spirit stick out in our current culture as evidence of the Spirit’s work in their lives!
My desire, and my challenge, is to take the words of Paul in his letter to the Philippians and learn the secret of contentment, in any and every situation. God is a promise keeper, I can have full faith in His character. And I can be content with the direction of my life, whether storms or calm seas, that God is in the middle asking me for contentment and trust. My challenge is to be content with his sovereign purpose and plan. God Bless!
-Bryan