Paul wrote in Phil. 4:11 – “…I have learned to be content in all circumstances.”
He continues in verse 12 – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it
is to have plenty. I have learned the SECRET of being content in any and
every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
want.” Paul discovered that the secret of living a righteous life, was to be
content “in any and every situation” regardless of his circumstances.
Godliness is a God-centred life. It grows in our lives, through the presence of a
Person – Jesus Christ, with the help of the Holy Spirit within us. It took time,
effort and applying the secret to his life, for Paul to learn the valuable lesson of
Godly contentment. It did not happen overnight but as he practised this secret,
it enabled him to live in complete trust in the One he committed his life to.
Therefore, he could write in Phil. 4:13 – “I can do ALL things through Christ who
gives me strength.”
Jeremiah Burroughs described contentment as “a rare jewel.” He wrote – “A
Christian comes to contentment, not so much by way of addition as by way of
subtraction… Contentment does not come by adding to what you have, but by
subtracting from what you desire…”
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Tim. 6:6. WHY is it great gain?
You cannot keep what you gain financially in this world. “Some people, eager
for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many
griefs/sorrows.” (Verse 10)
Colin Smith wrote – “Bring your desires down to the level of your possessions.
Learn to enjoy what God has given you, more than you grieve what He has
taken away. Practice the art of godly contentment and you will find that it is
great gain.”
We can only find contentment when our hearts are rooted in Eternity and
eternal perspectives. It is easy to desire more than we need and to not be
satisfied with less. Yet if we strive for contentment in what we do have; we will
eventually become steadfast and stable in our circumstances and Christ’s
desires and will for us. “For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot
carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content
with these.” (1 Tim. 6:7 – 8)
Paul’s idea was to Timothy, “Leave the pursuit of money aside and be content
with your work as a minister of the gospel. Your hand is not big enough to lay
hold of two things. Therefore, since you can only have one, see that it is the
vital thing. Lay hold on eternal life.”
“From this it is evident that if he lays hold on eternal life, he will have to fight
for it; and that if he has to fight, he can only fight by laying hold upon eternal
life with tenacious grip.” (Spurgeon)
Godliness can bring wonderful and most valuable contentment; but before it
can, we must be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans
12:2) Let us allow Christ to renew, transform and refresh us.
Paul continued his encouragements to Timothy in 1 Tim. 6:11-12, “But you, O
man (woman) of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the
faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…”
Thank You dearest Lord, that we can follow You with clear determination, to be
transformed, content in all godliness and holiness, so that we can live unto Your
glory and reach our Permanent Home which You are preparing for us. Amen
Myrtle Turunen