"...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Phil 4:11
In this day and age, it seems that everything is about obtaining more. We hang on every word and action of celebrities that live opulent lifestyles. We attend ourselves to Forbes' latest list of billionaires. We look up to the people who have what we want and are motivated to put great sums of energy into getting an approximation of it for ourselves.
Perhaps your particular desire does not lend itself to wealth or material gain. Perhaps obtaining a spouse, a certain level of education, a measure of health or a certain status among your peers is what drives you.
Beloved, there is nothing wrong with wanting things out of life (as long as it does not become covetousness or causes you to enter the realm of sin). Most of us are Christians because we desire to spend an eternity with the Father. The admonition today, however, is to consider and yes, pursue contentment. Our lives may not be ideal but we were never promised that. In fact we were told to expect trials and tribulations. Our contentment must be rooted in our faith that despite our situation, we still have Jesus and with Jesus we have everything.
Paul said, "I know how to get along with humble means, 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," Phil 4:12. The secret? Verse 13 of the same chapter and book reveal that he could do anything through Christ that strengthened him. You can too.
We have every reason to be content. Count the blessings that you already have and you will see. Add to this that we can have the ultimate faith and trust that despite our circumstances, we can one day look forward to rising above them. The Divinely inspired scriptures have directed us to, "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, " I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," Heb 13:5. If there was ever a reason to be content, surely this is it.
[Memory verse of the week: Matt 7:13-14]
In Revival,
Lee
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