So the issue of contentment has been laying heavy on my heart for the past few weeks (really, for years since it's something I've always struggled with). I've been meditating on what it actually means to my Christian walk and example. The question of HOW keeps coming up as I consider the implications of being truly content.
In this world of "more" and "me" it seems almost impossible to rewire my brain to think "enough" and "thank you." Especially with a type A personality, it's hard to not always want to take my work, personal life, accomplishments, athletics, etc to the next level. It's not necessarily a monetary ambition, but more of a "I only have one life to live" kind of a motivation. There isn't anything wrong with living and enjoying life, per say, but when the reflection of your life seems to show that nothing is good enough, that's a problem.
I am learning a lot from Paul's example, who was in chains when he wrote the following to the Philippians:
"for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Phil 4:11-12I think the key word in that verse is "learned." It is not always natural for us to be content in all situations, especially with the world we live in. It's always a challenge to be in this world but not have it rub off on us. Still, here is a man who was literally in chains praising God and rejoicing in his situation. I want to be more like that, since the struggles in my life shrink in comparison to Paul's (and Christ's) sufferings.
I was reading in John Courson's Commentary Bible in Colossians 4 last night and he was talking about disgruntled believers and what an oxymoron that is. We have everything to be thankful for so it should be pouring out of our mouths at every opportunity.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Phil. 2: 14-16We have the gift of eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a Father that loves us and His Son that died for us. In addition to that, it's important that we don't compare our lives or blessings to those of others. In his words, "Don't look around." I think that is a part of what contentment means but it is also about knowing that our home is in heaven and the trials, struggles and wants we have here on earth are going to be more than insignifcant when we get there. Our challenge from the Word is to be "shining stars" to those around us and when trials come our way, may we not be knocked down and out like the world expects, but may we trust and thank the Lord for what we DO have.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." I Timothy 6:6-7I guess the bottom line is I'm praying for more of Jesus and less of me, for an eternal perspective, to be "others" centered and thankful for the millions of blessings that God gives me each day.
Shanna
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