When we are born, we begin learning. We learn that if we cry, we get fed or we will be held and rocked and comforted. As a baby grows, they learn to talk and walk. Eventually, most children learn to read and write and as they grow older, they become more and more independent. Even though the day comes when a person is considered to be an adult, that does not mean they stop growing. The truth is, we are always learning and adapting. That is a sign of health and wisdom, when we are willing to continue learning and growing.
Spiritually, it is the same. We should always be learning and growing. In these verses of Philippians 4, we are given an example from the life of Paul. Paul makes it clear that this is not something that comes naturally to him. He has learned this spiritual discipline of being content in every situation. He has been taught to be brought low and to abound, and the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need (verse 12). What is the key to this lesson he learned? The key is found in verse 13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
How can we face difficult circumstances? How can we feel joy in abundance and joy in need? How can we feel peace in plenty and peace in hunger? Everything that we do is because of Jesus Christ. It is His Spirit in us, giving us strength. This is how we can be content in every situation.
Paul writes several times about being content. In 2 Corinthians 12, he tells us of a “thorn in the flesh” that was given to him to keep him humble. He had pleaded with the Lord to take it away but the answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So Paul decided, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Again in his letter to Timothy he writes that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
Paul makes it clear that we should be content with the basics of life. We must guard our heart from greed and the love of money. In Hebrews 13:5, the Word tell us, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So let us follow in the footsteps of Paul and learn this lesson of contentment. Let us learn to be content in whatever situation. This does not mean we do not work to build a life and succeed. There are many other verse of the Bible that speak of working hard and being faithful in our work and providing for our family by the work of our hands. But we can work hard and be content with what we have, and not allow the love of money destroy our life.
Just a few verses before in the fourth chapter of Philippians, we are told: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (4:8-9).
I have learned in the days of confinement due to Covid19 and when our airport was closed for two years without international commercial travel—in whatever situation I find myself, when I am confident that Jesus is with me, I can be content.
About the Author
Comentários