February 16
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CONTENTMENT: THE SECRET TO LIVING
10 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 an opportunity to act. 11 Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with little, 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. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my difficulty.
– Philippians 4:10-14
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In this letter, Paul addresses the issues that James addresses in his book on chapter 1. He says in verses 14-15 that the source of our sins is from our lusts which leads us to pursue it and conceives and gives birth to sin and when sin has been born, it brings us to death. The antidote to sin is this letter of Paul to the Philippians which tackles the secret to living a life that God planned for us. In verse 10, he mentions how glad he was that they were concerned for him but wasn’t able to act on it because they didn’t have an opportunity to do so. He gives them his secret to living a worry-free life: contentment. In verse 12, he says that he is able to accept whatever circumstance comes his way. He wasn’t even concerned if he had little or much. He declares that he is thankful when he is lacking and also thankful when he is prosperous. Verse 13 had always been a misunderstood verse because many people think that it is being given strength in doing things through Christ. But Paul uses this verse to indicate that it is in contentment that we can do all things in Christ. In verse 14, Paul acknowledges their concern on his difficulties.
Contentment is a novelty right now in our world. We always find something to complain about or to be dissatisfied with. Isn’t Paul wise to know that all good gifts come from God and He works all things together for good for those who loves him? Whether we are placed in a circumstance that is difficult and uncomfortable, he always has a reason for allowing us to go through these trials and challenges. Our human nature makes us quick to see the inconvenience of things and ask the “why” questions instead of looking at these situations as training ground for us to endure and grow our faith in Christ. Why can’t we as “What do you want me to learn from this Lord?” instead of “Why is this happening to me?”
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REFLECTION
• What are some of the causes of your discontent or dissatisfaction in life?