Have You Learned This Lesson?

Philippians 4:10-11- But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.   NASU
 

• Paul's Declaration 

The apostle Paul is writing this letter from a Roman prison. He declares to his readers that he has "learned to be content" no matter what circumstance he finds himself. When you study this passage out you find that when Paul has everything he needs he is content and if he is totally without anything he likewise is content. 
 
This declaration is followed by a well known passage of scripture that many people take completely out of context which is verse 13 which says, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
 
Many people try and apply this passage to some athletic event they are competing in and their reason for being able to accomplish this feat is because they are a Christian and Christ will strengthen them.
 
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this passage doesn't have any promise for you being able to accomplish some athletic event because you are a Christian.
 
However, you can be content whether you have a lot in this life or if you have nothing because Jesus does give you the strength to endure those situations of life. 

• Christians In Third World Countries 

On numerous mission trips to 3rd world countries I saw Christians who literally lived out these passages of scriptures. They had "learned to be content" with nothing and totally depended on Jesus to get them through each day.
 
They didn't have any cupboards filled with food or a refrigerator that likewise was filled with food. They lived everyday thankful for what they had and they knew God was going to provide for them that day.
 
They had learned how to be content. 

• It Matters How You Think 

What do you think about more?
 
Do you think more about what you have obtained in life and are thankful or do you think more about what you want to obtain in this life?
 
In other words, are you satisfied with what God has provided for you or do you think about having something that you don't have? Do you believe this one more item is going to bring you happiness or contentment? 

• The Necessary Mind Set 

If you ever want to be content with what you have then you are going to need this mind set. You mind has to be set on "Gratitude".
 
Jack Ballard preached a sermon at the Mount Carmel Christian Church entitled "The Attitude of Gratitude". In this message he stated if you will have the "Attitude of Gratitude" you will be able to find life a lot easier to navigate.
 
When we are grateful for what God has provided us it is much easier to be "content".
 
Ashley Wooldridge said in one of his sermons "Gratitude changes your focus from what you Lack to what you Have. 
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• Where Is Your Focus? 

Where is your focus right now? Are you constantly thinking about what you have or don't have?
 
When you are thinking about what you don't have it takes away your peace and contentment. However, if you are grateful then it is a lot easier to live in the state of contentment.
 
All you have to decide is where do you want to live? Do you want to live in the state of contentment or the state of anxiety and nervousness?
 
Think About These:
 
All the world lives in two tents: content or discontent.
 
Contentment is something that depends a little on position and a lot on disposition.
 
The best way for a person to have contentment is to count his blessings and not his cash.
 
Stay Pumped,
 
Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word