“You are strong—right where your contentment in Christ begins.” – John UpChurch
Philippians 4:11-12 NASB Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
Out of the many writings of Paul, living by this one, is like trying to hold a handful of sand while running a marathon. I understand it, I get it, but something always happens where I’m wanting something else or something more than I currently have.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking so much about material things, power, prestige, wealth and accolades. I realize that all these things are going to one day fade, rust, be destroyed or stolen. (Matthew 6:19-20). And, I’m not saying that I am completely cured of desiring those things, its just that they no longer occupy a majority of my thought-life and heart.
No, where I struggle in being content is in those things that as a Believer, we most desire or I guess, should desire.
More: Faith, Peace, Patience, Hope, Joy, Boldness, Trust, Love, Compassion, Christ-likeness, etc. You know, more of the Fruits of the Spirit.
Sounds noble and good….right? Nothing wrong with wanting more of the character and person of God. Correct?
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But Paul provides an answer.
The very next verse Paul writes, brings this issue into perspective: Philippians 4:13 NASB 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Its only in being content and/or satisfied with Christ and all that He has done, is where our victory lies. And all that we desire, want and need, has been made available to us through Him and Him alone. I believe that as long as I’m wanting more of God, then I will be trying to figure out what I need to do or stop doing, to get it. All the while, failing to realize that Christ has done it all.
You see, there is freedom in knowing that no matter what I do or don’t do, God loves me the same. That as a Believer, the storms that come and go are not punishment from God for something I didn’t get right. Failure is not an option to a Child of God, because there is no failure in Christ. And as long as we are satisfied with our righteousness through Christ, our salvation through Christ, our redemption through Christ and that we are being made perfect through Christ for God’s glory, then like Paul, we can be content in and through all things.
We can never reach God’s standards by anything we are capable of doing. I believe that is why Christ ask us to come to him and lay down our burdens and take His yoke. (Matthew 11:28-30) For Jesus has met all of God’s requirements for us. Therefore, we can rest in Him and enjoy the hope of eternal life with Christ.
May you find contentment in knowing that you are a Child of the Most High God.