Php 4:11-12 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 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.
want <husteresis> a falling short, penury: want
want: deficiency, lack, need, be without
content <autarkes> self-complacent, contented
self-complacent: uncritically satisfied with oneself or one’s actions, not looking to improve
contented: satisfied with things as they are
circumstances <hos> [KJV – whatsoever state] probably a primary word;
circumstances: your overall condition in life, fate, portion, facts, setting, surroundings, context, the way something is
1Ti 6:6-8 But godliness [actually] is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
Goals, dreams, desires – all these things can be good. Working towards them is good. Striving towards goals that honor God is necessary. Sometimes, paying attention to desires might even open doors that God would have us go through. Contentment is not complacency as we would define it.
Read the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans.
Ro 7:22-25 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
He was certainly not okay with the presence of sin vying for attention. This led Paul to make a choice. A choice to seek God. So how would we apply the concept, actually the command, of being content in all things? Perhaps the time I spend seeking to improve circumstances would show me where my true desires lie. Which issues are tugging at my heart for change? Do they have value in serving God?
Have you ever tried to make something happen, all the while putting effort into manipulating circumstances to match what seems respectable? Most of us would like to say no to this, yet I will run the risk of suggesting that some of us can relate to the question. Manipulation is not borne of contentment.
Contentment. Biblical contentment. God-is-in-control contentment. God-has-a-perfect-plan contentment. “Bloom where you are planted” contentment. I may have used this idiom in an earlier post but it fits.
Look at the beginning of Philippians Chapter 4. Paul longed to be with his spiritual family to encourage them (Ph 4:1). He desires unity in the church and specifically calls out individuals to hold to that standard (Ph 4:2). He requests the help of all to work together in furthering the gospel (Ph 4:3). Through all circumstances, Paul reminds everyone to rejoice in God (Ph 4:4). The Apostle encourages the church to continue to move forward in light of the Lord’s return (Ph 4:5). A warning to trust God and pray heartfelt requests to Him, with an attitude of thankfulness is offered (Ph 4:6). The truth that peace beyond understanding comes from God and will protect thoughts and feelings is recorded (Ph 4:7). A challenge to focus on truth, honor, righteousness, and purity; those things that are acceptable and reputable, the things that are excellent and praiseworthy, is issued (Ph 4:8). In fact, we are to dwell upon them.
What is the effect of choosing to act upon what we know to be good? It brings peace. Quietness. Contentment.
Php 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.
Fast forward to Philippians 4:11: Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. The Psalmist speaks from a heart of contentment. He understands the waging of war in his soul to act opposite of what God wants. Yet, he chooses contentment. He has learned contentment. He understands the importance of contentment.
Consider: Continually striving to improve our personal circumstances must steal time from current opportunities. I often need to take an honest look at my priorities and what is driving me. Contentment in all things allows a notable use of time and energy towards growing God’s family on earth which translates to His kingdom in heaven.
Consider: Discontent can be a byproduct of having too much or too little. Those who think that more of something will solve their concerns will never have enough no matter how much they’ve been given. The true problem lies in a heart of dissatisfaction. Those who think that less of something will solve their concerns will always place blame on the circumstances allowed in their lives. Think less responsibility, less family difficulties, less financial troubles, less physical ailments, less people complaining or demanding. The true problem lies in a heart unwilling to accept God’s plan.
Consider: The art of contentment begins with our view of God, and our realized need of His work in our lives. Somehow, a right perspective dims our own desires and puts God-honoring activities first on our radar.
Ac 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
God wants us to find fullness in Him. There are no circumstances too high or too low, too out-of-control or too mundane, too impossible or unimaginable for God. Stay close to God and He will be your source of contentment.
Joh 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.
2Co 12:9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Choose Contentment – the opposite will leave you dissatisfied.
