The Green Pastures

Content Through Christ

“Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need” Philippians 4:11-12

It is human nature to strive for joy and satisfaction. Many people look for it in wrong ways, whether that is in ability, control, or riches. The issue with those are that they all will fade eventually. Abilities deteriorate over time, control slips away, and riches will never truly satisfy. The only thing that has stood the test of time is the satisfaction found in God. His ability is not going anywhere. He is the same God in the garden of Eden and in the end times. His control will never slip from His hands. He has always been in control and will continue to be, and His riches are eternal. Knowing God is the key to true contentment. The more you know of God, the more you will love about Him. When you know and believe God is with you always, you won’t need more. Nothing will ever compare to the great love of God, so you won’t be searching for the next great thing when you find the great God. When you come to times as Paul talks about, the uneasy and difficult times, you can still be satisfied—not in circumstance, but in Christ alone. When Christ blesses you to live in abundance and prosperity, do not forget it comes from Him. 

Content, Not Comparing

“But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior], and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another.” Galatians 6:4

Comparison has killed my contentment far too often. I would be just fine where God had me, then something someone else had catches my eye. I would start to forget the great things God gave me and be annoyed for what He hadn’t. Comparison was present for the original sin in the garden of Eden, and the devil has been using it ever since. Eve saw God and believed eating the fruit would make her more like Him, leading her to lose the perfect garden of Eden. In the same way, we see what others have and miss out on the great things God has given us. God has a path for everyone. Do not look to somebody else for how your walk should be going. Chances are that the people you are comparing yourself to are wishing they had what somebody else had. It is a vicious cycle. When you break free from comparison, contentment will be much easier. 

Content, Not Needy

“Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” [Josh 1:5]” Hebrews 13:5

Comparison also leads to the misguided striving for more. In this passage, the writer of Hebrews is explaining the solution to that misguiding striving. Instead of always needing more to be happy, we are to be grateful to God, making us content. We can be gratefully content because God has promised to always be with us and support us in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. God did not just promise that, but has kept it and will continue to keep that promise. Instead of looking to what others have, look to what God has done and be content in what He has given to you. The gift of life is a great gift in itself. Remember to be grateful for the promises God has kept, instead of complaining for what God has not promised and not given. Let your character be decided by what God has gifted you and not by what God has gifted others. God has written a unique story for you and unique stories for everyone else. Enjoy the story God has written for you, thank Him for it, and be content in His hands.