Content
Pastor Don Snow

Phil. 4:11-12 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

We spend our time trying to encourage, and prod on those that are content to do nothing. So what we actually do is afflict those that are content, and try to make those that are afflicted content. It’s really an oxymoron. We want to focus on contentment in the things of God. Being content with what He gives us, and what He has us doing for His cause.

It is easier said than done. Paul said he knew how to be abased, and to abound. It is much harder to suffer need when you know what it is like to abound. But Paul knew both and still remained content. In America we abound in so much that we don’t really know what it is like to be abased and to suffer need. In other countries, it is not uncommon to use old bath water to wash clothes or to flush toilets. Yet, we would never think of it, and if we do it makes us shudder.

Paul said he was instructed to be content with both hunger and fullness. It is fun to be full, but very difficult to be hungry. Paul was content in both situations.

Then Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me.” In the context, Paul was saying that he could do whatever the Lord needed Him to do. If He needed Paul to abound, Paul was content. But if the Lord needed Paul to suffer need, to be hungry, to go through hardships, Paul was able and content. Paul knew that whatever he faced, the Lord was there to help him.

The word content means “satisfied with, not wanting.” That’s a big job for Americans. We say the word easily, “I’m content.” But it’s another thing to live a content life.

Are you content with what God is doing in your life? Where He has placed you?  What He has given you? Too often we are content with the wrong things of life. We can easily confuse complacency with contentment. Never be content to let sin stay in your life, always be content with God in your life.