Yet Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
Paul told the Philippians that he had learned the secret of contentment. (Philippians 4:10-14) Paul used the word “learned” twice in this passage, which indicates that contentment did not come naturally. It was not some instant transformation. It was something he learned through his relationship with God.
Did you know Paul wrote these words while in prison, being denied every comfort? The Philippian church had sent him a financial gift and he wanted to express his thanks. However, he didn’t want to give the impression that God was not sufficient for his needs, so he used this situation to emphasize a life lesson on true contentment.
Paul rejoiced in their gift, not really because of the money (although it was nice and he definitely didn’t turn it down), but more so because it showed their heartfelt care and concern for him. (v. 10) However, Paul wanted the Philippians to know that true contentment looks beyond physical comforts to the peace that comes from being right with God. (v. 13) That’s why he could be content regardless of his circumstances. Nevertheless, he praised them for sharing in his distress. (v.14)
Some synonyms for contentment might be satisfaction, gratification, happiness, or fulfillment. But believe it or not, true contentment is not dependent on outer circumstances. Paul knew this. He knew how to be exalted and abased, have a full tummy or empty one, and abound or suffer – and through it all be content and give thanks. (Philippians 4:11-13; Ephesians 4:20)
Contentment is not based on power, money, physical beauty, or material possessions. If it were, all successful, wealthy, gorgeous people who surround themselves with everything money can buy would be happy and content. We know that’s not the case. Actor Jim Carrey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”
What is the answer? What is this secret Paul talks about? God! True contentment is an inner sense of peace that comes from being right with God. Additionally, contentment comes from focusing on what we have, not on what we don’t have.
Have we learned the secret of being content? In today’s world, we receive thousands of messages daily trying to persuade us to buy things we do not need with money we do not have. It’s tempting, even though God tells us that a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of things he might possess. (Luke 12:15)
Consider this… Arsenius was a Roman imperial tutor in Egypt who withdrew from Egyptian secular society to lead a prayer-oriented, austere lifestyle in the desert. His contemporaries so admired him that they named him Arsenius the Great. He was considered one of the Desert Fathers, whose teachings greatly influenced the contemplative life. He was content to live with very little. Yet whenever he visited the magnificent city of Alexandria, he spent time wandering through its splendid bazaars. When asked why, he explained that his heart rejoiced at the sight of all the things he didn’t need.
Oh, that we could say the same thing after an afternoon at the mall!
One final thought…
Contentment can make poor people rich while discontentment makes rich people poor.