As Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians he turns his attention to addressing a gift that the Philippian Church sent to him. As Paul expresses his gratitude for that gift he also teaches us some great truths.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:10-13)
On the one hand he wants the Philippians to know that he is very grateful for their gift and the love that was behind the gift. On the other hand Paul wants the church to know that he has not been anxious in waiting for people to send him money. Paul is grateful but he wants the church to know that he has learned how to be content in every circumstance. He wants them to understand that his sufficiency is in the Lord and not in their ability to provide.
Contentment is not something that comes naturally. Paul said that he had to "learn to be content". Naturally, we are prone to compare ourselves with others and to always want more than we have.
Our contentment should be anchored in relationship with Christ. Paul says, "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." I believe Paul is saying that he can face and know joy in any and every circumstance because of the strength he finds in Christ.
MOreover, no matter what the circumstance we know that we are getting better than we deserve. We deserve eternal punishment but are given eternal life in Christ. We deserve to be cast from God's presence but we are declared to be part of His family. There is nothing that compares in value to what we have been given by God's grace. We are the richest of people because of His mercy.
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3 comments:
Thank you, Kwi Jung unni!
I totally agree with you when you say that contentment is something that does not come naturally. It's hard to find satisfaction in what we have and are blessed with. In a way, finding contentment in everything that God provides and gives is a wonderful blessing to have. It's odd to read when Paul says that he had to learn this, but he did. And I loved how you pointed out, "Our contentment should be anchored in relationship with Christ" and how we need to draw our strength from Christ. I didn't quite understand what he was talking about, but your explanation cleared that up. Thank you!
Thank you for your post Kwijung :-)
Such a great reminder that we can only be genuinely content and satisfied in Christ.
thanks kwijung--i was so blessed and so deeply moved by paul's words and your reflection today. notice that paul says that he had to learn the SECRET of being content in any and every situation. this "secret" is not apparent to those whose relationship with Jesus is casual and half-hearted. the secret of being content in any and every situation abides with those who entrust themeselves WHOLEHEARTEDLY to God. may we all learn to do this, that we might too learn the secret of contentment, so conspicuously lacking in our affluent society. i thank God so much for these precious, enduring truths.
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