Be Content. Philippians 4:11. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” “Content” in this passage of scripture means self-sufficient, which is true of a person who is able to accept the situation they are in without undue concern. Contentment can then come from self-sufficiency, but more importantly, true sufficiency is found when it comes through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the all-sufficient One who can meet all of our needs from the abundance of His storehouse of grace. “My grace is sufficient for thee, and My strength is made perfect in weakness.” When our faith is in Him and we are truly trusting Him, our souls and spirits will be content and at rest.
Paul greatly appreciated the gifts the Philippian believers sent to him through Epaphroditus, along with the fellowship and love shown in that tangible way. They were a blessing to him and a fruit for God that He would recognize as given to Him. However, he was not ultimately dependent on them because he knew that “godliness with contentment” was more important than having all his needs met.
We enter this world with nothing and leave with nothing physical. The basic physical needs while we are in this world are food to eat, clothing to wear, and some shelter from the elements. I think the word “clothing” in 1st Timothy likely includes shelter. How grateful we are for the expressions of fellowship and love—the gifts from the Lord’s people! They come without strings attached, unlike bonuses from a boss at work. Such gifts from the saints of God are like a sweet aroma when they are offerings given to God with a free heart! When we receive such gifts, we immediately thank God and also thank the giver, because we know they are acceptable to God and are such a blessing to us.
Being content is not always easy when we rely on circumstances around us to fulfill our basic needs. We have adopted the idea that “more” improves our lives and makes us more satisfied. Advertising, through pictures and words, constantly encourages us to be unhappy with what we have and to believe we are missing out on something important if we don't buy their products. As a result, people often become discontent and spend recklessly until all their resources are gone. Then they take out loans or borrow money to acquire things they don't really need.
Did you eat something for breakfast when you started your day? Do you believe God heard you when you knelt to pray? Did you get some rest when you laid down to sleep? Do you appreciate all that God allows you to have and keep? Contentment will start to feel real when we intentionally and specifically count our blessings in the presence of our Father. Giving thanks for every good and perfect gift will lift our hearts and minds to look above and beyond what we think we need to be content.
Take some time to settle down and count your many blessings. Say them out loud in front of your family if they seem discontented. Young children and even teenagers often feel discontent with what they have until they start recognizing the gifts of life and love they already possess. Never let yourselves be defined by the things you complain about. A complainer is someone to avoid. A contented person exerts a positive influence on those around us. Family, friends, and colleagues will all be drawn to a believer who finds their joy in the Lord and His goodness rather than in the latest sale when you bought something unnecessary. You will find many opportunities to bless others when you are known as a contented Christian.
Lean your head back, relax, and quietly reflect on all that you have received from God, often through the hands of His people. With words and thoughts, tell God you’re grateful for what He has given and for the contentment you feel knowing that He cares for you. Then, let everyone in your family and others you know see that you are truly content; your smile is genuine. Rich or poor, old or young, in sickness or health, in every situation, contentment does not depend on wealth but on a person’s attitude when they thank God for all He has provided. Contentment is born through godly living, even amid persecution. Godliness with contentment is of the highest value, and the great gain never ends.
Something that is lovely is both admirable and attractive to a pure-hearted person, while secretly being admired by those whose conduct is the opposite. There is power in that which is lovely. A reputation for fairness and goodness should not be considered unimportant. What people say about a believer influences more than just one person. Virtue is moral excellence that refuses to be compromised in any way. Virtue is either present or not; there is no middle ground. Praise is well-deserved commendation, usually linked to an action. When praising the Lord, it includes who He is in His moral perfection as well as what He does. For frail mortal men, there is nothing in us that is praiseworthy, but praise can be given for what God does through us.