Content in Plenty?
One of the problems with writing one's thoughts out and publishing them on the internet is then one need to live by them! Read: "one" = me and "problem" = accountability. This, of course, is a good thing but I was sort of surprised last week when after writing all about being content in Christ in every circumstance, I found myself discontent. I still can't quite put my finger on the issue but I have a few thoughts. But first, the passage from Philippians 4:
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Last week, I focused on the "in want" and was amazed at Paul's sense of contentment even when he was in need. But I am not in financial need. I am "living in plenty" with abundant food, a warm home, and all my material needs met. What does it mean to be content in plenty?
Here are some of my thoughts....
- Being content in plenty means I don't strive for more and more and more stuff. Financial gain and personal acquisition of all the best and nicest things is not the goal of my life. I am content when I am well-fed. I am content that I have enough. I am able to see that I have enough. Any struggle with greed, insecurity, competitiveness, or ingratitude can be overcome through Christ who gives us strength.
- Being content in plenty has at it's foundation the same belief as being content in want: ultimate contentment comes from our relationship with God... it comes from being loved and forgiven by God through Jesus.
- Being content in plenty means that we acknowledge the areas of our life that we are still "hungry"., where we don't feel satisfied and we turn to God for help and also for deep satisfaction of our souls.
When we look around and can't find anything to be discontent about but still are, there is deeper work to do. It's a work of gratitude, humility, and worship. It is a work of believing Jesus and that what He said and did while on earth applies to me! It is a work of learning to live in tension of hope as we wait for the Day when Christ will make all things right. It is being "content in" any circumstance even if we are not "content with" it.
peace and grace,
Tracy
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Last week, I focused on the "in want" and was amazed at Paul's sense of contentment even when he was in need. But I am not in financial need. I am "living in plenty" with abundant food, a warm home, and all my material needs met. What does it mean to be content in plenty?
Here are some of my thoughts....
- Being content in plenty means I don't strive for more and more and more stuff. Financial gain and personal acquisition of all the best and nicest things is not the goal of my life. I am content when I am well-fed. I am content that I have enough. I am able to see that I have enough. Any struggle with greed, insecurity, competitiveness, or ingratitude can be overcome through Christ who gives us strength.
- Being content in plenty has at it's foundation the same belief as being content in want: ultimate contentment comes from our relationship with God... it comes from being loved and forgiven by God through Jesus.
- Being content in plenty means that we acknowledge the areas of our life that we are still "hungry"., where we don't feel satisfied and we turn to God for help and also for deep satisfaction of our souls.
When we look around and can't find anything to be discontent about but still are, there is deeper work to do. It's a work of gratitude, humility, and worship. It is a work of believing Jesus and that what He said and did while on earth applies to me! It is a work of learning to live in tension of hope as we wait for the Day when Christ will make all things right. It is being "content in" any circumstance even if we are not "content with" it.
peace and grace,
Tracy
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