Philippians 4:11
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Contentment Is a State of Mind
I believe that contentment is almost
100% in the mind. Just look at Paul’s life to see why I say that. He
learned the secret to being content in hunger and in need (Phil. 4:12).
Notice that it was something he had to learn and that it didn’t come
naturally, so it won’t likely come naturally to us either. Twice in
Philippians chapter four, Paul says that he had to learn to be
contented. To live in contentment or discontentment is a choice and is
not really dependent upon circumstances; we just tend to think it is. If
it were, Paul could have never endured all that he went through and
still lived a contented life.
Contentment Is a Choice
Just as we can choose eternal life or
death (John 3:16-18), so too can we choose to be contented or not. God
gave Israel the freedom to choose either life or death (Deut. 11:26). He
never forced them to choose, and neither will He force us to choose to
either to be in a state of contentment or live in a state of
discontentment. I know a few people who choose to live a life of
discontentment, and they are not a lot of fun to be around. The strange
thing is that two people in particular I know who are doing well
financially are not very contented at all, proving the fact that money
doesn’t buy happiness or contentment. Like contentment, happiness is a
choice of the will and isn’t dependent upon our circumstances in life.
If contentment or happiness depended on the possessions of life, then
most in the world would be in a perpetual state of discontentment
because they don’t have as much as those of us who live in the West.
Godliness Is Contentment
It is better to have a dry crust of
bread in a peaceful house than to have a feast in one where there’s
strife (Prov. 17:1). If you live in a home that is full of hate, a side
of beef couldn’t even make it better (Prov. 15:17). That might explain
why Paul told Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain (1
Tim. 6:6). Money and possessions will all be gone someday, but those who
do the will of the Father will have everlasting life. If we have food
and clothing, shouldn’t that be enough (1 Tim. 6:8)? Pursing riches only
leads to heartache and destruction (1 Tim. 6:9-10), but if we are
satisfied with seeking first the kingdom–and that means seeking first
the King of the kingdom–God will meet every one of our needs, anyway
(Matt. 6:33). Isn’t that good enough? Why accept living in
discontentment when you can learn to be content in whatever situation
you find yourself in?
A Closing Prayer
God, You always provide for my every
need, so forgive me for the times when I show discontentment with my
life. It shows You just how ungrateful I am. Help me to live a life of
contentment because You are always better to me than I truly deserve,
and in Jesus’ name I pray.
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