From Chapter 5: Contentment
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (Philippians 4:11–12)
Paul learned how to be content in every condition of life. He had been well loved, but he had also experienced a deep poverty. He had been healthy, but he had also been sick. He had been exalted, but he had also been brought low. In the midst of these extreme highs and lows, Paul learned a wonderful secret— contentment. It is in this context that Paul uttered the famous words, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
When it comes to the lives we live on a daily basis, a great secret to our success will be contentment. Without contentment we will never find rest in our souls. We will instead bite, devour, scratch, and claw to get where we feel we need to be (Galatians 5:15). Remember, these lives are not our own. They were bought at a price and have been purchased by God. As the sovereign Lord of our lives, He determines what is right for each one of us. Pursue Him, engage with Him, and allow Him to lead your life and lifestyle. Learn how to be content in every stage and station of life.
Discontentment works hand in hand with temptation. The content man is able to resist the lies of temptation. At the core of sexual sin is some version of discontentment, sometimes with the spouse God has given you or an internal insecurity in your heart. The content man is able to flee sexual immorality. He is also able to spend, budget, save, and give well. Satisfied within his heart, this man operates with self-control and restraint financially. In every area of life, contentment aids and strengthens us. It keeps us from wrongful extremes and enables us to run full speed in the callings of God upon our lives.
