How Content Are You?

Am I really content? That’s the question that’s loitering in my head this morning as I rewind yesterday’s message in my mind. Can I really say as Paul said in Philippians 4: 11-13 that I have learned the secret of being content?

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned , in whatsoever state I am , therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased , and I know how to abound : every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need . 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)

11 And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. 12 I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. 13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. (GNT)

 

It would be easy to blast off a quick yes I’m happy with what I have but closer inspection of the word contentment is necessary. According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, contentment is an internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances. The American Heritage Dictionary defines content has desiring no more than what has or satisfied; ready to accept or acquiesce; willing. 

In examining those two definitions, I can easily see that I don’t fully measure up to Paul’s declaration. I can think of situations I don’t readily accept. Nelson’s Illustrated Dictionary defines content as freedom from anxiety or worry.

The idea of of contentment comes from a Greek word that means “independence” or “self-sufficiency”. But the apostle Paul used the word in a Christian sense to show that real satisfaction or sufficiency comes from God:

Quite frankly there are some conditions I find myself in that I become irritated and anxiously await change to come.  So how does one be content yet expectantly wait for fulfillment of the promises?  Hmmm, a quick search of my blog archives reveal this has not been the first time I have pondered the question. In a post titled Satisfaction Guaranteed, I stated the following:

How can I be satisfied when I don't like what is occurring around me? Honestly, I haven't mastered the art of contentment. But in reading something the other day, I gained greater insight on contentment. When I know and trust that where I am is not outside of God's radar, I can be confident that He is orchestrating all things and that there is indeed a plan for my life. Therefore, I can patiently wait on Him.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Rather late getting my post up today. My mind was not settled on what "s" topic I wanted to discuss last night and didn't have time to gather my thoughts before heading to work this morning.  Ok, so on with my post.

You ever notice that on the back of many products there's a promise of satisfaction? On the back of my Suave lotion in small fine print it reads: We guarantee your full satisfaction or we will replace or refund your purchase. Now I like the lotion and have had no problems with it. But, I have acquired some other things in life that I was certain would bring me satisfaction. I obtained positions, car and house-the supposed American dream. Yet some how it didn't seem enough. I found myself becoming disillusion and discontent after the newness wore off.

Marketing in today's society aims to capitalize on our insatiable desire for more, more, more. Right when you think you have the latest and greatest something more improved comes along. I would not consider myself to be materialistic so my dis-ease was not because I was seeking more things. Just that the place I was in did not fit. I simply was not satisfied and questioned within myself that surely there was more to life.

In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul states (my paraphrase) he has learned the secret to being content despite whatever situation he found himself. I remember a while back a book titled The Secret was all the rage. Oprah had the author on her show. Maybe it's human nature to seek out those secrets that tend to allude us at times. Here we find Paul saying he finally figured it out that it's through Christ that true contentment comes. He didn't give any false guarantees that the happenings in life would always be favorable. But in spite of it, one could still be content.  I found that passage to be challenging. How can I be satisfied when I don't like what is occurring around me? Honestly, I haven't mastered the art of contentment. But in reading something the other day, I gained greater insight on contentment. When I know and trust that where I am is not outside of God's radar, I can be confident that He is orchestrating all things and that there is indeed a plan for my life. Therefore, I can patiently wait on Him.

Of course possessions alone can never bring true satisfaction. It's only found in Christ and our relationship with Him is one place we shouldn't settle. There is always more of Him to know and experience. I have provided link to a beautiful worship song by William McDowell entitled Show Me Your Face.



Until "T" time tomorrow, I hope enjoy a wonderful evening.