02/16/2019
Are you content and happy whatever your circumstances are, and wherever in life you find yourself? Do you find yourself equally at ease in a shack or a mansion? Jesus could dine in fine houses, speak to high priests and magistrates, or He could sit with the common people of the world; even the thieves, and prostitutes. What He felt about Himself wasn’t predicated upon how the world viewed Him, but how His Father saw Him. Paul was the same, and we should be as well.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 ESV
Being content in all situations isn’t something that comes naturally. Our natural inclination is to judge ourselves by how the world views us, and to gauge our success by what society finds to be important. This is not how Christians should behave... being content is a trait that we must learn; it is coming to understand what God has determined to be valuable, or acceptable, and in realizing that all men, rich and poor, are equal before God.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.”
Galatians 3:28-29 ESV
I love to watch British sitcoms and shows on the BBC and Public Television. One thing that becomes readily apparent is that the wealthy people of the upper crust do not speak like the common people. Language separates them. The same is true in America too, but we try not to admit it. A New Yorker from East Harlem does not speak the same as someone from the upper east side, and the southern Gentry from the Deep South doesn’t speak like the poor sharecroppers. It is a fact that we are taught more than just how to speak, but we are also taught to judge people based on how they talk. How we speak becomes a way of separating ourselves... it is a way of determining our place in society, and in many ways can influence our contentment.
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"”
Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV
Being content should not require the approval of the world, and it shouldn’t be controlled by how we gauge ourselves in comparison with the world’s wealth, or how another person lives. Our contentment can only come from God, just as it did for Jesus, and just as it did for Paul.
“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”
1 Timothy 6:8-9 ESV
Contentment is a gift, and we must learn to exercise it. We can have all that the world has to offer, and be unhappy and discontented, and equally, we can be impoverished and still be happy. God provides for our daily needs, and He gives us work to do as well. In these things we should find His presence, and the contentment He brings.
“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.”
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 ESV
Are you content in your life? If not then don’t turn to the world for relief... turn to your faith in God, and Jesus Christ. Accept the gifts that God extends to you, and be satisfied by them.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Matthew 16:26 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for my provision, and the gifts that you give me each day. Help me Holy Father to be content in these things that you provide, and help me to find value in them as you do. Teach me Merciful Father to find happiness in doing your will, and to find contentment in you, and not the comforts of the world. Your peace is perfect, your rest is enough, and my contentment springs eternally from you. Thank you for your Son Jesus who redeemed us with Hid blood, and yet was content in offering it to satisfy your will. Lead me to be like Him. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who provides the gift of contentment to all who would believe. Great is your name, and greatly to be praised because in you is my comfort, and contentment throughout eternity. May all Glory be yours, now, and forevermore.
Rich Forbes