I Choose Contentment

Philippians 4:10-20

In Philippians 4:11 Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Paul knew how to be content in highs and in lows, in abundance and in need, in plenty and in hunger. Do you see the blessings of contentment in your life? Contentment brings blessings, such as joy in the present and satisfaction in the simple things of life. Contentment brings a settled sense of sufficiency and a peaceful pace that proves “more” is not the focus of your thinking. You have life—what a privilege to be alive in this world! Our contentment as Christians is rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul teaches us to look beyond our circumstances, whether we have much or little, and rejoice in Christ. In Him, we have all we could ever need or desire!!

Questions for further thought:
1. What blessings of contentment do you see in your life—satisfaction in the present, in little things, in the eternal?
2. Describe a situation when you’ll face the choice between covetousness and contentment (i.e., seeing a friend’s new spouse/job/car/house/child, etc., when you’ve been wanting that for yourself). In that tough situation, how could you choose contentment?

Challenge: If we are not content in Christ, we will easily become unstable in times of plenty or times of need. Ask God to fill you with a steady joy in Him so that your heart and faith will be stable regardless of the situation.