The Secret of Contentment

Contentment

Paul was not the victim of circumstances but victorious over circumstances. Instead of having spiritual ups and downs as the situation changed, he went right on, steadily serving Christ. He found contentment in things Christ provided. At times Paul experienced definite financial and material needs and at other times he had an abundance (v. 12). Regardless of the situation he had learned to be content in whatsoever state he was in (v. 11). Contentment is not complacency, nor is it a false peace based on ignorance. The word actually means contained. It is the description of a man who resources are within and he does not depend on substitutes from without.

Paul’s happiness did not depend on circumstances or things. His joy came from something deeper than prosperity. In fact prosperity has often done more damage to believers than adversity (v. 13).  The Christian has all power within that he needs to cope with the demands of life. Paul thanks the church at Philippi for the generous gift they had sent him. He compares it to a budding tree (v. 10), and investment (vv. 14-17), and sacrifice (v. 18). He sees this gift as a supply of his need from heaven and not just something coming from Philippi. Hudson Taylor often said, when God’s work is done God’s way for God’s glory, it will not lack for God’s supply."

Application

To what am I drawn when I feel empty inside? The answer lies in my perspective, my priorities and where I go to for my source of power.

Philippians 4:08-13 (English Standard Version)


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