LEARN TO BE CONTENT
Not that I speak in regard to need for I have
learned in whatever state I am, to be content. –Phil 4:11
People who do not
have Jesus, and even those who do but don't involve Him in their
lives, often try to fill that void with something else. They may amass
much wealth to buy the security of earthly success, but rarely are
they satisfied and content with the things they have accumulated.
As Christians, we
must avoid being as such. We ought to realize that material wealth is not what
we should rely on. After all, much of it may be lost quickly, with something as
simple as an unwise investment. Moreover, we certainly will not be able to take
it with us when we pass from this world. Acknowledging reality, we should
respond to Paul’s advice to the Philippians and be content.
As God’s children,
we experience joy beyond measure not because of the things we own or because of
our social status. We know that our joy comes from God. But even though we know
this, why are we always striving after material goods instead of building up
spiritual wealth?
The Lord Jesus
instructs us not to lay up treasures on earth, but rather, lay up treasures in
heaven. For where our treasure is, there our heart will be also (Mt 6:19-21).
Apostle Paul additionally regarded “all things loss for the excellence of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom [he] have suffered the loss of all
things, and count them as rubbish, that [he] may gain Christ” (Phil 3:8). He rightfully and clearly states that the
value of knowing Christ makes all things of this world seem as rubbish.
Therefore, if we
truly know God to the fullest, we would naturally be content with His love and
all that His grace offers us. We would also recognize that material wealth is
part of the grace offered by God. And we wouldn’t just learn to be content—we
would live it joyfully.
Questions for reflection:
1. How
has God blessed you in your life?
2. What things of this world are
hindering you from being content?
