Learning to be Content

Last week’s article was on jealousy, and we examined Paul’s actions. Even when he was being harmed by certain individuals, Paul rejoiced that Christ was being proclaimed (Philippians 1:15-18).  He did not let his pride get in the way and become jealous for his own cause, but instead rejoiced. The focus was on who’s reputation is at stake when it comes to jealousy. It is not our own, but Christ’s. 

If you think about it, our lack of contentment from time to time stems back to jealousy. We see something we want and we get jealous. The end result is that we are not content in the situation we are in – instead, we get jealous. With this in mind, we are again going to look at Paul’s example within the same book. 

“…for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13).

 

Paul was able to live in any area of life, both “with humble means,” and “in prosperity”.  He “learned to be content” in these areas of life. How did he do this? Because he, “learned the secret,” in regards to these life styles. What was his secret to contentment? It is found in verse 13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” 

If we have a problem with contentment, let us focus on the good things instead (Philippians 4:8), and “Rejoice in the Lord always…” (4:4, 10) leaning upon His strength (4:13). If we are not content, we are losing our foothold in the strength that God gives. Christ wants us to stand up in any situation we are in, whether we are rich or poor, married or single, popular or not. He wants us to stand up in the strength that He gives and live our lives for Him. If we can do this, we will learn to be content in all things and live a happy and fulfilled life for Christ!