To be content

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. - Philippians 4.11-12

As Paul wrote to the church about their prayer for him he mentioned that there was a time when the were not able to send support like they normally did. He understand that and did not blame them because he knew they cared.

But there was a deeper reason why it did not matter. He had learned a blessed lesson that would change our lives if we would ever learn to adopt it.

Paul knew how to be content. He knew how to be content when he was abased. He knew how to be content when he was abounding. He knew how to be content everywhere. He knew how to he content in all things. He knew how to be content when he was full. He knew how to be content when he was hungry. He knew how to be content when he suffered need.

Contentment may not seem like a major character trait, but the Bible talks about it a lot.

Godliness with contentment is great gain

Be content with the things you have, for the Lord has said I will never leave you or forsake you

Having food and clothing, be content

We are also told that the opposite of contentment, covetousness, is like idolatry.

So what makes this such a big deal? It is a big deal because a lack of contentment indicates that we are not happy with where God has us or what He has given us. We think we know better than He does what we need.

Contentment is probably the greatest test of our faith. When we are not content we say that we know better than God. We say that our wishes and desires are more important to us than what God wants. When there is no contentment there can never be any peace. 

May I learn to have the heart of Paul when it comes to contentment.