“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11
If someone is “content” it means that they are “happy, satisfied, or pleased.” They are “in a state of peaceful happiness.”
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
What is something that many children and young adults do while they are growing up? They create an idea of how and what they are going to be when they become adults. They see others around them as they grow up who have certain things, houses, cars, collectables, money, etc, and they decide that that is what they want to attain someday for themselves.
This idea can become such an attraction and become such a goal for them that a person will try to attain it no matter the cost. Look at how many people who have gotten themselves buried in debt because they borrowed money from a bank because they wanted to have something right now. They wanted to have their brand new car or truck right now. They wanted to have a large, picturesque house, right now. They previously had a vehicle or house before that, but because they were not content with what they had, they impatiently went out and aquired something before they even could afford it.
We need to be content with what the Lord has blessed us with. Currently, we own an older pickup truck. It is not perfect, and has it’s issues, but it gets us where we need to go and do what we need it to do. If given the opportunity, we would probably take a new vehicle over our old one, but we are content and thankful for what we have.
There are some people who are not happy with anything. You could say to them, “It sure is a beautiful day today,” and they will say, “It’s too hot,” or “No it’s not.” Nothing satisfies them.
We could go out and eat dinner at a fancy, expensive restaurant every evening, but we don’t.
We are happy and content to eat a simple meal at home, and thank the Lord for His gifts and ask Him to bless it for us.
Some people are not happy unless they have clothes made from the finest materials, and food of the finest quality. Food is food, and clothes are clothes. They are there to serve their purpose of feeding you and clothing you. Instead of expending your energy over this sort of thing, take that energy and use it towards the things of God.
“The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.” Luke 12:23
John the Baptist was a simple man who wore the skin of camels and ate locusts and honey. He wasn’t dressed up in flowing robes made of delicate fibers, or wore gold and silver. But he was content with what he had, and used his time in the service of Christ.
Each day we should thank the Lord for what we have and what He has provided for us, and be content. Don’t be the person who isn’t satisfied with anything. Whatever you have, whatever the Lord has given you, remember to be content.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
When we have Christ, we need nothing else.
In Christ,
Andrew
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 