Read: Philippians 4:5-13
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (v. 11)
In the world of the Greek Stoic philosopher, the world Paul traveled in, the term “content” was used to describe independence, self-sufficiency, and the ability to go it alone. The idea was that the truly wise person was the one who had come to the place in his or her life where they were independent of all things and all people. They needed nothing and no one. When you arrived at the place where you depended on no one but yourself, then to the Greek Stoic philosopher, you had arrived.
In Paul’s vocabulary, being content means simply “having enough,” whether his personal economics were bullish or bearish. His contentment did not come from himself or his circumstances; it came, he says, from God’s strengthening (v. 13).
Paul was certainly a realist. He was well aware of his painful circumstances. The difference was that, rather than being held hostage to his circumstances, he had learned to see the story of his life as part of God’s salvation story for him. And when he had almost nothing he was content in the same way as when abundance filled his life.
How about us? How is your level of contentment? Are you constantly being sucked into the cycle of wanting more and better? Or have you found your value, your satisfaction, in the peace of God which is in Christ Jesus?
As you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to the point of contentment.
About the Author
David Walls is a pastor and writer who has served in ministry for more than 40 years.
