Content

Content…

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ~ Philippians 4:11

In his letter to the believers at Philippi, Paul shares profound insight into the self-discipline necessary for a mature faith in Christ Jesus to persevere. He describes what it takes to attain a faith that will surmount and endure the challenges we will experience in life – contentment. Paul had gone through unimaginable hardship and suffering during his missionary journeys; and yet, his faith seemed to abound all the more through the afflictions he suffered. As he indicates in the text, there is a deep lesson to be “learned” as we walk with Christ and participate in his sufferings. (Cf. Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 4:13)

Contentment. What does it mean to be content? The word connotes a state of being filled or satisfied. To be content means to be happy, pleased, gratified, or blessed … to the point of complete delight or enjoyment. Being content … feeling full and satisfied is rather easy when you have plenty and the circumstances of life seem in your favor. But Paul indicates that he had cultivated the ability to be content even when he had been unjustly locked in a stock and thrown into the utter darkness of an inner prison dungeon. (Cf. Acts 16:16-40)

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

In reading the text, we readily understand that contentment is not our natural tendency. When Paul states, “I have learned,” it indicates that at one time he did not know how to be content. Through the difficulties that he suffered in life, Paul learned how to be content in any situation or circumstance. It was a mindset that he attained after many years of experiencing the grace of God in times of trouble.  And so, there is a wonderful lesson Paul affords us for our walks as Christians.

Here are some other scriptures to focus on as we pursue the virtue of contentment:

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. Romans 8:17

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. Philippians 3:10

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

I believe the secret to contentment is to possess an unwavering focus on the inheritance that is kept in heaven for you. (Cf. 1 Peter 1:3-5) Yes, keep your eyes upon the goal and press onward to attain it. (Cf. Philippians 3:14) Indeed, Christ Jesus is our example – who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Cf. Hebrews 12:2) For “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ Jesus should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:11-14)

Yes, dear reader, keep your eyes upon Jesus and His redemption! He is the One who provides you with the strength needed to attain contentment in this life. Only in Him will you find true contentment or real delight in any circumstance. Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:7-8)

Have a Blessed Day!