“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:11-12
Contentment means “a resting or satisfaction of mind independent of the things or circumstances happening around me or to me.
My definition is based on Webster 1828 definition (the first part) and the independent part from the Greek word in scripture “autarkes” which means self-sufficient or independent. This does not mean or dare I say that I am self-sufficient or independent from of God or thinking that I can just take care of myself. No, St. Paul is saying that I have learned the secret of being satisfied and independent of what’s happening around me and even to me. It is easy to be content when things are going great, but Paul having “learned” to be content when things are not so great.
Contentment is not a gift, it is something learned! To learn means to acquire knowledge or skill by practice or use. I love the scripture in Hebrews 5:13-14 that reminds us that we should not remain an infant drinking milk but grow up and eat solid food (Deeper truths in God’s Word) so by constant use we learn to distinguish good from evil. Letting the world rule over you is not good but evil for sure. Remaining an infant is not the answer but how sad it is that so many Christians remain a spiritual infant crying so easily over that is happening around them letting circumstances rule instead of the surpassing greatness of the “knowledge of God”! So what is the secret and mystery to being content? Paul, in this same letter to the Philippians, lets us know how he has learned to be content. He has learned what makes this way of life a reality? It’s found in chapter 3 the one before all this talk about being content. Stop for a moment and read chapter 3 … do you see it? It is right there in the middle of Chapter 3!
I just gave the answer to being content a few sentences go – the “knowledge of God!” Paul tells us so by saying, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have loss all things.” Philippians 3:7-8 The things of this world did not own Paul. Someone else did. This relationship with Christ, His Father, and the Holy Spirit was so complete, so satisfying, so fulfilling, so great that being in lack or having plenty just did not matter. In fact in comparison to knowing Christ they became “rubbish” to him. Philippians 3:8b. If you are not satisfied in Christ, you have not learned to be content yet. If you are still believing that the source of contentment is in the things of this world, you are still acting like an infant. Christ wants to help you devalue the things of this world (make them like rubbish) so you can be content. If not be careful because Christ stated in the Parable of the Sower that the things of this world and the value you place on them can choke our his Word. Mark 4:19 Repent and start chewing on solid food. The good news is you can learn! Having a great relationship with Your heavenly Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit does not happen by accident. You make it happen and in return you gain contentment that even if you had nothing but Him, you have everything and the joy of not having anything but Him! Matthew 13:45-46 He knows you and is waiting for you to know Him more and more with no limits.
Love’s Influence For Everyone who truly lets knowing Christ’s rule and reign in his or her life.
J.W. Brinkley