CONTENTEMENT
24th Jun 2020
Paul declares in Philippians 4:11 “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” That is quite a challenge to us all in our lockdown situation. I was also reminded of this verse when reading about a TV programme, which was due to be shown last night, where a man who lives a solitary life on a boat describes himself as “the happiest man alive”. I have yet to see the programme so cannot make any comment on this claim.
However, I believe contentment is the birthright of every believer. We have so many promises in God’s Word that show us how to live in this way. Earlier in this letter Paul shows us how we can receive “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” (v7)
Paul. when writing to Timothy, again addresses the same issue, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
Jesus spoke words of peace and joy over His disciples in John 14 & 16, when he said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” and “Ask and you will receive that your joy may be complete.”
God’s people in the days of Nehemiah has just completed the building of the wall, but while listening to Ezra reading the scriptures were weeping because they were convicted by what they heard. However, Nehemiah breaks in and says, “Do not mourn or weep. Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:9-10)
In his autobiography entitled “The Happiest People on Earth” Demos Shakarian who was the founder of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship tells his story. It is described as a story to make you laugh, to make you cry and to build faith, and Demos believed that all christians should be described as “The Happiest People on Earth.”
As believers we are forgiven, loved, adopted into God’s family, have Christ living within and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Surely there is no reason upon earth where we can justify living in any other way that with “contentment.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
