Contentment - Through Christ
by Dale Buchanan
Philippians 4:11 “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
The young lady had come from Arizona to South Carolina to begin her freshman year in college. As she gave her introductory testimony in class, she quoted, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” I doubt if the apostle Paul was thinking about Arizona or South Carolina when he wrote this verse, but her testimony did generate many laughs.
Just what is contentment? The dictionary defines it as “ease of mind, satisfaction.” To be contented is to be “satisfied with things as they are.” However, Paul was not advocating complacency. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul talks about reaching forth unto those things which are before and pressing toward the mark. He was content at the same time he was reaching and pressing toward the goal.
Contentment does not come from money. In Philippians 4:12, Paul says that he had learned to be full and to be hungry, to abound and to suffer need. Either way, he was content.
As a Christian, we have peace with God when we get saved (Romans 5:1). When we have submitted our needs to the Lord through prayer requests – and then leave the problem with Him, we have the peace of God (Philippians 4:6-8). Contentment comes first, through trusting Christ as our own personal Savior and, second, through committing every problem and need to Him. Then we trust Him to meet that need.
Then while we wait for His answer on His schedule, we are content and satisfied in Him. Because our contentment resides in Him, we are content without worry or concern about money or circumstances.
Christians often quote Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” In this context, Christ strengthens us so we can be content. As a result of our contentment, no matter what situation we are in, we can rejoice and be thankful. He enables us to be content.
- TSW Popular Posts
"Help me Lord, to properly understand." Ever Learning yet never getting it. By Eric William King Some…”always learning but n...
Knowing God by Ken Barnes I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, an...
Basic Summation of our Christian Faith The 13 Statements “ Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, t...
W elcome to this Library containing E.W.King's Christian Writings & Video Lectures................ Note: On this site I a...
“ Do not add to the Scriptures ” means DO NOT ADD! By Eric William King As many of you know who actually know me, I have came through...
U nderstanding the Truth about Christianity By Eric William King Many of you may have been raised in some kind of Christian church. Sa...
Dear Lord, I have realized that I am a sinner by your grace. I ask for your forgiveness through the person of Jesus Christ. I believe and ...
No comments:
Post a Comment