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. Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
There it is again – that old familiar passage someone always mentions when it comes to contentment. Isn’t there any other Scripture verse we could use?
Yes – the Bible records a variety of thoughts on contentment, but nowhere does anyone express the fact that contentment does not come naturally (it is a learned skill) more clearly than does the apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians. He had everything going his way when he was a self-described “Pharisee of the Pharisees.” He had been in a high position among the Jews, well-educated and well-respected. This was his family heritage, and he had been a great success. He gave his “resume” of a sort to King Agrippa and told him to ask the Jewish leaders who had known him since he was a child. He said he had been faithful to all the rules of the strictest sect.
But he had left all of that because of his faith in Christ. Now he had been rejected by all the people who once thought he was great. His reputation and human resources, which once had been strong, had dissipated. He was currently under arrest in a prison, awaiting probable transfer to Rome and quite likely trial and death. He was not automatically fed or kept warm. There were no justice and civil rights agencies, not even one strong voice to support him. If he wanted food, medical care, or the warmth of a blanket, his friends would have to bring it. This wasn’t new to him. He had been beaten several times, even though he was a Roman citizen. He had been shipwrecked, in prison, hunted, and betrayed. And those issues were part of the secret of his success:
“I know the secret of contentment. It is not a magic wand waved over my life by God, suddenly making my circumstances change. It’s not the ability to convince people I am right and escape criticism. It’s not getting applause and understanding. It is an attitude and perspective I LEARN by my intentional willing choice. Through my choice to dive deep into commitment to Christ and His way, He will pour His strength through me. I will never be a victim of my circumstances. I will be content regardless of the circumstances because of my reliance on Christ, seeing everything from His viewpoint.”
Everyone you know who has that almost unearthly, unbelievable contentment regardless of their circumstances has acquired it the same way. They have learned it. It is NOT natural, but learning it leads to a supernatural life.
- Whether it’s getting passed over for a promotion, or a less than satisfying day, or something else, what about Christ needs to be your focus and strength?