Contentment

Sometimes we invite or choose our own storms. "Why do we always seem to want more? Why is it so hard to accept less? Why are our hearts so easily captivated by the promise of bigger and better? Why is it so difficult to be satisfied?"

In Philippians 4:11‐13, the Apostle Paul describes having learned the secret of being content. The passage gives us some important lessons because, let's face it, none of us is immune from the struggle for contentment. Regardless of your age, gender, past, or present, all of us struggle with discontentment, an incredibly destructive force in our lives.

For you, maybe discontentment results in anger, simmering frustration, grumbling, fussing, complaining, fault‐finding, criticizing, and condemning. Your discontentment may lead to depression and despair.

Do you find yourself constantly moping, pouting, sulking, brooding, or whining? Does disappointment with life rob you of joy and satisfaction? Maybe discontent makes you fearful, worrisome, and anxious. Do you constantly think about "what if" questions? "What if I had studied computer science instead of nursing? There is more scope for computer science than nursing." "What if I had given my life to Jesus when I was younger?" (Maybe you heard only half of a story, and right away, you are in a frenzy; “What if?”) Do you struggle to find peace of mind? Do your fears keep you from being contented with life?

For many of us, discontent leads to restlessness ‐ the feeling that we will find contentment in having, possessing, or achieving. "I'll finally be happy when I have ________"(You fill in the blank.) Is your heart captivated by the next thing that promises satisfaction? Whatever fruit it bears, discontentment can wreak havoc on our faith, our testimony, our relationships with others, and God.

Discontent can have profound consequences for leadership in the home. If the one who holds the leadership position in the home is constantly expressing dissatisfaction with the people and circumstances in his or her life ‐ probably through anger, anxiety, or covetousness - the consequences for his family can be devastating and toxic. If the individual comes home always complaining about work, the boss, co-workers, conditions at work, mark you, life at home will suffer.

All of us should grasp what the apostle Paul teaches about contentment in the life of a believer. Let us focus on Philippian 4: 10-13. The Apostle Paul says, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, 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.”

In this passage, Paul says he has learned the secret to contentment.

What do we mean by "contentment?

Contentment is not about feeling good all of the time. It is not a feeling but an attitude of the heart ‐‐ a mindset, a disposition. It is not what the world would want us to believe, the pursuit of happiness and pleasure. It is not the absence of pain, suffering, or concern. Actually, we can be content in some of the most trying and difficult circumstances we encounter. Some people can boast of little or no worldly goods yet, they do not have a care in the world; they are satisfied. I know of a woman who attended church services every week wearing the same outfit, and no one could steal her joy.

Contentment is not to be confused with that hopeless acceptance that this is just the way things are, so I better get used to it. A friend of mine was diagnosed with diabetes. When she told me of her prognosis, I asked what steps she would take to deal with the situation. She looked at me squarely and said, “My mother had it. My grandmother had it. So, I know I would get it. No matter what I do, it is in my blood.” What a fatalistic attitude!

One writer stated “Contentment is not indifference or apathy ‐‐ a lack of concern for things that are legitimately troubling. It's not about being too easily satisfied. It is the ability to face the situations that come our way without being consumed by them.”

Contentment doesn't dispute that we will have difficulty of trials or the delight of blessings because those things do not determine our destiny.

Ultimately, Paul's states that our circumstances here on earth should be a means of glorifying Christ, finding our ultimate satisfaction in Him. We often look to God to make our circumstances satisfying, rather than looking at our circumstances ‐‐ good or bad ‐‐ as pointing us towards finding our satisfaction in Him.

We need to understand that contentment is not an end in itself. Being content should be different from the goal for which I live. I can be content for all the wrong reasons. Suppose I am satisfied because everything seems to be going my way, everyone is serving my agenda, kissing up to me, and all my fleshy desires are being fed, then I am not experiencing the kind of contentment to which Paul is referring.

Paul’s idea of contentment is enduring and lasting - contentment in Jesus Christ.