Real contentment
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13
There are those that believe contentment is having financial means so they could do whatever they want. Others view contentment as having enough to get by as long as family is intact and there are no big problems. This is why there will be those that will pursue good relationships or gaining more financial stability so they could say they attained contentment. But how much is enough and what type of relationships will bring about the sense of contentment? From the text, the apostle Paul expressed his source of contentment. For him, whether in plenty or nothing with regards to material things, he learned how to be content. He said that real contentment is not about the things one could gain from this world. It is only found in knowing and having a personal relationship with Christ. For Christians, contentment is to know that you have a heavenly Father that loves you and cares for you. It is to have faith that God will supply all your needs. This is what Paul told Timothy when he reminded him about godliness. “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). During this time of the year, there will be a temptation to acquire material things to satisfy people’s insatiable desires. Discontentment comes when you think you were denied having the latest gadget or you are not able to catch up with the latest fad. Knowing what matters to God and being able to live in accordance with His desires will help you to live stress-free life. He promised that through Him you find strength to be the person He wants you to be. Do not go along with the world in pursing things that they think will satisfy instead seek to live your life following His admonitions from His word. “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’” (Hebrews 13:5).
Blessings.