Message Library

Learn How to be Content

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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.

Philippians 4:10-12

The apostle Paul is saying he learned to be content in all circumstances, well fed or hungry or living in plenty or in want. Paul lived in plenty when he was a Pharisee, but when he turned to serving Christ for the remainder of his life he was living in want. How can Paul be content in all circumstances when in his life he was flogged five times, stoned once, beaten with rods three times, ship wrecked three times, and imprisoned?

The answer is — Paul was content in his soul not in his flesh, where our soul is our personality, thoughts, will, and emotions. Most people in the world seek contentment for their spiritual soul through their physical flesh. It is impossible to have lasting satisfaction for our eternal soul with temporary things of the world and we can see this because our flesh cannot have lasting contentment with things of the world. Things of the world lose their ability to make us truly content because our flesh will adapt to things of the world. This occurred at the fall of Adam and Eve and the world was subject to decay just like our flesh.

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you–they are full of the Spirit and life. (John 6:63) Only Christ can bring lasting contentment to our soul, and this contentment actually increases in our soul as we have a closer relationship with the Lord. When our soul is truly content, it will satisfy our flesh.

Satan lies telling us contentment comes from the world, but God’s love through Christ is the only lasting contentment. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) Satan lies to us in his attempt to destroy our eternal life, while Christ gives us life to the full meaning we are content, peaceful, we know Heaven is our home, and God’s love in our hearts casts out all fear.  Satan feeds us lies often convincing us that the world is our only home, and if we believe his lies he knows we will live eternity with him and his demons.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”(John 8:31-32 ESV) When we are free in Christ, we experience true and lasting contentment.  Many people believe Satan’s lies because they have never searched for the Truth in the Word. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) Only a few people find it because only a few people actually search for the Truth, because it’s much easier to believe Satan’s lies. Christians have searched for God’s truth and experience increasing contentment that comes from God and not from the sinful world.

Today, know your contentment is in your soul and only God can give lasting contentment. Be satisfied and thankful for what God had given you and seek the Lord for true and lasting contentment. The closer you are to the Lord, the more contentment you will experience.

Prayer: Lord let me experience true contentment as I live to serve Christ. Let the world around me see my divine contentment in a world filled with fear. Guide me in the Spirit to bless others with your Truth.  In Jesus’ name, Amen