Pardon the dust:
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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Content in Christ


I have learned, in whatsoever state I am in, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:11

These words have been near and dear to me recently. Contentment is something that is easy to speak of in the abstract, but its actual attainment is something radically different.

My first step has usually been to realize under what circumstances the apostle Paul wrote these words. He was not just "in bonds" (Phil. 1:13, 14) but we learn in Ephesians that he was a "a prisoner" (4:1). Locked away as a prisoner, Paul relayed these words that often make me shutter with contempt for the Almighty. I must continually ask myself: would I be willing to endure Paul’s infirmities, and share the cold dungeon with him, if I too might by any means attain his faith?

Now, there is a vast difference between precept and practice, between the ideal and the realization. But in the case of the apostle Paul contentment was an actual experience, and one that must have been continuous, for he says, "in whatsoever state I am." That in itself covers every physical, emotional and temporal state that we could ever face. But what Paul said prior we should take careful attention. "I have learned..." he states. It becomes equally plain that contentment is not an outcome of natural disposition or temperament. Rather, it is something we attain in the school of Christian experience.

The primary way Paul learned contentment was by learning the value of Christ. According to verse 13, what Paul found in Christ strengthened his soul to be content regardless of his circumstances. And God inspired and preserved Paul's words so that we, too, might experience the same contenting depth of riches in Christ.

The world has a very discouraging way of contentment. The world encourages materialism, independence and other self-fulfilling pleasures. Epictetus, a Greek philosopher, said this about being content:
“Begin with a cup or a household utensil; if it breaks, say, ‘I don’t care.’ Go on to a horse or pet dog; if it breaks, say, ‘I don’t care.’ Go on to a horse or pet dog; if anything happens to it, say, ‘I don’t care.’ Go on to yourself, and if you are hurt or injured in any way, say, ‘I don’t care.’ If you go on long enough and if you try hard enough, you will come to a stage when you can watch your nearest and dearest suffer and die, and say, ‘I don’t care.’”1
Is contentment just the ability to not care? I must confess I fall under this sin of this Stoic philosophy at times. This is spiritual lethargy. This is not boasting in Christ!

Christian contentment remains a mystery to those on the outside and can only be learned from the inside by those who put all their faith & trust in Christ. In truth contentment is a quiet secret known by a few. Paul learned it over a period of time- part of his spiritual growth, part of sanctification.

Lastly, remember and stress these Truths in your daily life- lest we forget:

1) God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Therefore, contentment begins with trusting that God will provide for all your needs. -->Hebrews 13:5
2) Be satisfied with what you have. Remember- don't confuse your wants with your needs. -->Philippians 4:10-12
3) Don't let your circumstances influence whether you are content or not. Believe that God is sovereign and He has a perfect & Holy plan. -->Philippians 4:11-12; Romans 8:28
4) Lastly, it is Christ who sustains & strengthens us; therefore we already have more than will will ever need. -->Isaiah 40:31; Colossians 1:28; Galatians 2:20

It is very difficult for me to depend on others; it is my nature. But if we believed that God is who he says he is, will do what he says he will do and loves us as much as he says he loves us, it’s debatable whether we’d ever have even one moment of discontent.

Ponder this and read Ephesians 3:14-19.

Now it's time for me to be content that I am nowhere to be found on next weeks work schedule...

1. Quoted by William Barclay, “The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians.” The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, Penn. P. 104.