Contentment

“ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:11-13 ESV

Contentment is a valuable and rare quality. Jeremiah Burroughs, preaching in 1642, said that Christian contentment was a “rare jewel”. A “rare” jewel is one found infrequently or a jewel that is out of the ordinary, uncommon. A jewel is something that is precious and holds value. God’s description of contentment shows that it is uncommon and valuable. Contentment is evidence that you belong to the Lord and that your hope is fully in Him rather than in your circumstances. Think about the people you regularly spend time with. Is there someone who stands out as being content? Earlier in Philippians, Paul has shown how rare and valuable contentment, or the absence of grumbling and disputing is among people. Paul stated that being content makes a person shine and stand out in a world of discontent people. 

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing,  that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

Philippians 2:14-16

A person who doesn’t complain and grumble stands out! A person who isn’t disgruntled displays that they are blameless and innocent because of Christ,  and they shine as lights in a dark world. Grumbling and complaining are typical of people who are worldly and place their hope in temporal things. A person who doesn’t dispute their circumstances in life is holding fast to God’s word. Contentment is evidence of trusting God and taking Him at His word. This is a profound statement that, just by being content, believers are different from the world and that contentment is rooted in belief and trust.

In Philippians 4, Paul says that he learned to be content. Contentment did not just come upon him when he was saved. Contentment is learned. This is hopeful in that we can learn to be content. But learning also involves effort and time. Paul is telling us that we have a responsibility to pursue contentment as part of our sanctification. 

Are you becoming increasingly content?

Paul also says that he learned contentment in a wide range of situations. He mentions that he was brought low. God put Paul in circumstances that were difficult. Paul says that he was beaten with rods and received 40 lashes minus one several times. Paul was stoned, shipwrecked, adrift at sea, and in danger in cities, wilderness, and at sea. Paul went hungry, thirsty, and cold. He went without sleep and had daily pressure about the churches around the world. Paul was put through difficult situations as a training ground for his dependence on God and so that he would be humble and trust the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). Paul learned to look to God as his all-sufficient Lord and not to earthly circumstances or goods to bring contentment. God knew the best difficulties to put Paul through so that he could learn to be content.

Are there times when God has brought you low and how did you respond?

Paul also learned contentment in times of abundance. Paul had to learn how to abound. Paul had to learn to be thankful for blessings and still know that he was dependent on God for every blessing. Paul had to learn not to place his hope and trust in an easy or comfortable situation. Paul had to learn to keep his hope firmly in the Lord even when things were easy. 

What has your response to abundance been?

Paul says that contentment comes from Him who strengthens me. Contentment comes from God’s grace. Contentment is not achieved through human strength, but rather is a God given heart attitude that only comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Paul looked to God for hope and help in times of suffering and abundance, it was God who worked in Paul’s heart to teach him contentment. Paul spent his time in prison worshiping and praying. Even in the midst of persecution and impending death, Paul sang praises to God and prayed in faith (Acts 16:25-26). Paul endured the sufferings with a dependence on God who gave Him the strength to endure. Contentment is synergistic. We must set our minds and hearts on the truth of God’s providence, wisdom, and love for us as we pray and trust the Holy Spirit to work contentment into our hearts. 

Are you working to learn contentment?

In what circumstances do you tend to be discontent?

What would it look like in your attitude and thoughts to view your circumstances are instruments of God’s teaching you contentment?

The next blog will look at contentment being rooted in God’s providence and the heart attitude and mind that rests on God’s Fatherly care and provision for His children.