Circumstances, Comparisons Or Contentment

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Phil 4:11

The advertising industry is designed to borage humanity with the nagging desire for something more or something else. What about our living conditions? If we live in an apartment, we long for the day when we can own a home. If we own a home, it’s not long before we’re striving to decorate it beyond our means and then comes the credit card bill and we cringe. Then there are the endless financial wants to earn just a little bit more in order to have just a little bit more.

From magazines and social media in it various forms, to looking around and seeing what others have that you don’t, we can live most of our lives in the delusion of discontent.

The apostle Paul was a man who suffered and went without the comforts of life more than most people could ever imagine (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Yet he knew the secret of contentment: “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. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

God has called His people to a life marked by contentment. But how do we extricate ourselves from the relentless appeals of our materialistic culture and cultivate contentment?

1 Tim. 6:6-8 says, But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. These verses expose the true nature of our priorities.

In verses (3-5) Paul confronted the false teachers who supposed that godliness was a means of (material) gain. But then with a play of words, he clarifies that godliness is actually a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment (v. 6).

How is it possible that whether we live or die, whether in plenty or in want, we can own such a contentment deep within our souls? With an eye firmly fixed on the eternal. This is where our priorities must be carefully thought thru.

When we become aware of the shortness of life the next step is committing ourselves to seeking first the kingdom of God, the only thing that will last. If we trust in the sovereign God, our lives will not be tossed around by changing circumstances or nagging comparisons.

You can see this principle illustrated throughout the Apostle Paul’s life, but perhaps no where as clearly as in Philippians 4:10-13. The theme of Philippians is joy, and that is quite remarkable, because Paul was in difficult circumstances. He was in prison under false charges (and had been for over two years!). Other Christian teachers were attacking him. The legalists were trying to win over his converts. The church in Philippi had some conflicts between members. And Paul had been short of funds, until a gift arrived from Philippi. And yet he overflows with joy.

Ladies, life is filled with problems and uncertainties. Not to mention how our flesh is always whispering the “if only scenarios” so that we never truly enjoy what we do have. Remember Eve? Satan was in the garden working his advertising campaign as he appealed to her to call into question God’s command and provisions. Suddenly her life appeared lack luster but it could be so much better if she just ate the fruit? Yes, even the first woman was spellbound with the craving for something else and something more.

Contentment involves having an eternal perspective, as it frees you from circumstances and comparisons as the basis for happiness. Contentment comes from having the right priority–godliness, not gain; and the right perspective—the eternal, not the temporal.

“Oh Lord help me to live this life you have given me as gift, to be lived in the beauty of contentment. Forgive me for complaining and comparing. Let me choose gratitude for what I do have while keeping my eyes firmly fixed on the eternal and my hands busy for your kingdom.“