Content in Christ, Pt. 3

Contentment is a learned mindset and behavior, and it grows in the good soil of thankfulness.

Content in Christ, Pt. 3

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."

(Philippians 4:10-11)

Contentment is a learned mindset and behavior. In verse 10. We see again Paul's attitude of rejoicing and being grateful. Note how affirming and encouraging he is to the Church at Philippi.

"Paul begins the final portion of the letter with another explosion of joy. Once again, the apostle is rejoicing! This time he adds the adverb 'greatly.' Why is he so happy? He's thrilled by the Philippians' renewed support. . . . Bottom line: Paul is super-grateful for the Philippians' concern about him and for their generosity."

(Tony Merida & Francis Chan (2016). Exalting Jesus in Philippians (D. Platt, D. L. Akin, & T. Merida, Eds.; p. 186). Holman Reference.)

Contentment grows in the good soil of thankfulness. When we meditate on that which is good and wholesome, when we commit to do or practice the good behaviors of other followers of Jesus, and when we count our blessings, then we are well on our way to being content.

We read in verse 11 that contentment is a learned behavior. To be content in all circumstances in life, well, it will take time and effort. It did not happen instantly for Paul. It took some time for him to grow in this marvelous grace of being content no matter what. I am a pilgrim progressing toward that city of spiritual maturity. I have not arrived, and often I get annoyed and unhappy simply because things are not going my way or the way I think they should be going! Selfish, I know, but true. How about you? Can you relate?

Paul says he learned (twice) to be content. Being content is a learned behavior. It will take some time and practice but will be worth all the effort. Strive for excellence, do the best you can in life, and leave the results to God. Be at peace with what God has given you and where He has placed you. This resolve will bring you much joy and peace in your heart. If you are always striving for more out of a restless and unsatisfied soul, then you will not be happy and you will make others around you very unhappy as well.

I pray that God continues His refining work of grace in your life and mine. Aren't you glad that God loves us so much that He does not leave us where we are in our walks with Him? He shapes, prunes, and refines us, conforming us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).