Philippians 4:10-12 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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.
Paul greatly rejoiced for the concern and help from the Philippians through the financial support brought by Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25). Paul certainly did not want to suggest that the Philippians did not care enough previously, only that up to now, they did not have the opportunity, and when they did, their care for him flourished. Paul knew what it was like to have plenty and be in dire straits. These words teach us that contentment is not a natural propensity of humankind. Disgruntlement, complaining, and grumbling are as natural to humanity as thorns on a rose bush. There is no need to sow thorns and thistles simply because they are indigenous to the earth (Genesis 3:18).
There is but one way to know freedom from addiction
and reliance on the carnal ways of the world, and that is to acknowledge and
accept that all that we have comes from God. If our inner joy comes from a
foundation built on a relationship with God, it will remain perpetual. However,
if our happiness depends on our present conditions, our joy will be susceptible
to any circumstances. Our frame of mind does not have to be controlled by any
situation in our life. If we look for contentment in the fame and fortune of
the world, we will fail to find pure joy in life. God teaches us here through
the Apostle Paul that all of life’s security comes from Christ Jesus and Him
alone.
There is no need to teach people to complain; that
often happens enough without any tutelage. However, if we want beautiful flower
beds, we must cultivate and care for them. So likewise, contentment is an élite
blossom from heaven, and we must nurture it. This unique gift from God will
never grow in us through our old nature. Only through the new life, the new
person in Christ Jesus, will we find the flower of contentment growing in our
hearts and souls. Even then, we must be cautious to keep our receptor to the
Holy Spirit free of worldly contaminations so that it might thrive.
All of this sounds like a great plan, and one might
say that with hard work and unyielding determination, I might be able to reach
that plateau. However, the truth is far from that allusion. There is but one
way and one way only to achieve any goal in this life. I will let God’s Word
offer that resolution and explanation.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
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