Pursue Contentment
Contentment, or the quality of being contented, can be defined as ―feeling satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.‖ Defining these terms might be essential because contentment can be hard to find. One could have better success locating a rare antique of great value than finding a truly contented person. We live in an unhappy, restless, and unsatisfied society—a society of largescale discontentment that is fueled by television and social media. If you watch HGTV long enough, you’ll start dreaming of a nicer house. If watch too much reality TV (is it even reality???), you’ll start wishing you were a better cook, that you had a better marriage, or that your life was more interesting and exciting. Too much time on social media can breed thoughts that everybody else’s life is much better than your own. Many seem to always be searching for bigger, better, and nicer things, and having much is never enough. Nevertheless, learning the art of contentment is essential if we want to live at peace with ourselves and God.
When we turn to the final few lines of the book of Philippians, we discover that the apostle Paul had something to say about learning to be content. Paul’s comments on contentment are con-textually sandwiched between two sections on giving and receiving (Philippians 4:10 and Philippians 4:14-20). The imprisoned apostle was thankful for the generous financial offerings sent by the Philippian church, and he ―rejoiced in the Lord greatly (v.10) because of their concern and generosity. However, lest the Philippian church mistake his gratitude for their support as a poor beggar asking for more funds, he spent the next three verses describing Christian contentment—a trait which Paul twice says he had to learn (v.11, 12). Contentment wasn’t zapped into Paul’s heart when he became a Christian, and it certainly wasn’t something he observed in the world around him. Still, Paul learned how to get along with humble means of just food, clothing, and daily necessities (―to be brought low v.12), but he also knew how to live with more than enough (“to abound” v.12). What was the apostle’s secret? Just listen to his words: ―I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (v.12b-13). Paul dis-covered how to be content in a myriad of circumstances by simply trusting that Jesus is enough!
Be like Paul and learn the magnificence of simply trusting that Jesus is enough! Life is not about possessions, prominence, popularity, or plenty. No, it’s about being in a covenant relationship with God through the redeeming work of Jesus. While we certainly can take steps to better ourselves and our circumstances, we would do well to make the best of our present circumstances regardless of what those circumstances may be. When we trust that Jesus is enough, we will become more flexible and adaptable. Contentment will foster a faith that is willing to serve God wherever, do whatever, and experience whatever comes our way. So, if you really want to turn over a new leaf this year and experience ―the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding‖ (Philippians 4:7), then passionately pursue contentment in your life.
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
