SUNDAY October 6, 2024
The Perfect State of Contentment
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
Philippians 4:10-11
In life, Paul had learned to be content––to be in a perfect state of contentment in Christ. He rejoiced because of all the blessed resources abundantly provided for him. The Philippians were a giving church. What they gave to Paul enabled him to continue forward in the work of the ministry.
As a believer, have you learned to be content? Even believers can live very unhappy, discontented lives. Listen, contentment is not an escape from life. It is an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of life’s battles. That is why the Apostle, under house arrest, could say: ...for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.... Come what may, Paul found contentment.
Learn and content are two words to consider in our Christian walk. The verb to learn means “to learn by experience.” Paul’s joy bubbled up from within his heart as he continually depended on Jesus for everything. He learned how to be content in Christ.
The word content means “to be contained.” It is a good description of the man whose resources come from within him. He does not need to depend on outward circumstances. The Greek word for contentment can also mean “to be self-sufficient,” but this is not to be taken as sufficient in ourselves. Our sufficiency is in Christ.
People in the world strive to be happy and joyful, but they are never truly satisfied. A discontented person is always trying to figure out how to make more money or gain happiness through material possessions. They live a life of monotony with no real purpose. True contentment comes from Christ; He has a purpose and plan for our lives.
You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
