Contentment is not something that only those living in the 21st century need, as it was also a great need in the 1st century as the Gospel was spreading across the Roman Empire. It was the Apostle Paul who addressed this need in his letter to the Christians in Philippi. Here is what he wrote,
“…for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13).
So just what does it mean to be “content?” Of course, to be discontent means that we always want something more, and that leads to complaining. And I’m sure we would all agree that it’s a monumental challenge to spend time with those who are always complaining. They just don’t seem to ever be satisfied!
Being content, on the other hand, means that we are satisfied with what we have and with who we are. Instead of comparing ourselves with others or wishing we had a different life, being content means that we feel we are becoming the person God wants us to be and living the life He has intended for us. Being content means that we recognize and appreciate our current circumstances (as challenging or painful as they may be), and by God’s grace, we are also finding meaning and purpose in those circumstances.
Did you notice that Paul told the church in Philippi that contentment was something that even he had to learn? Contentment wasn’t something that all of a sudden entered his life the moment he met Jesus on the Road to Damascus! Of course not! It was something that Paul had to learn as he continued to grow in his faith. So friends, let’s not feel that we will suddenly arrive bearing an attitude of “contentment.” It’s something that God has to carve into each of our hearts as we continue our journey of becoming more like Jesus.
Notice also that Paul had “…learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” So, what was his secret? He doesn’t specifically tell us, but I believe that it was about trusting Christ in and for all things. I’m sure that it included all things that had happened to him which included some pretty intense persecution at the hands of Jewish religious authorities. Paul believed, as we should also, that the challenges and trials he faced were first filtered through God’s gracious fingers of love before arriving on his doorstep!
But Paul also recognized that in spite of his circumstances, he knew that he could “…do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Paul faced all of his circumstances by resting in the Lord’s provision and relying on His strength which allowed him to be an “overcomer” in spite of his circumstances. And, of course, we have access to that same strength today!
And so, as we seek to experience the joy of this holiday season, let’s learn what the Apostle Paul learned — the secret of being content in any and all situations. Let’s be aware that God is filtering even adverse circumstances through His gracious fingers of love, and because of that, we can be confident that He’s got everything under control. Let’s rejoice and be satisfied (even with some growth that we continue to pursue) with the person we are becoming as we walk with Christ, and also satisfied with all that He has given us. I pray that each of us might not just understand what it means to be “content,” but to actually experience “Contentment” this holiday season.
May the Lord richly bless each of you.
