Observations About Being Content

Just about everyone I know has battled with contentment at one point or another in their lives. We all seem to want more for ourselves, for our families, for our communities than what we currently experience. Have you fought this fight as well? Some people, like myself, seem to fight against contentment on a daily basis, choosing to be restless about where we are instead of choosing to stay put and let whatever happens happen.

I had a conversation with a co-worker the other day about this subject and the aftermath of our conversation led me where all great conversations lead — into the word of God. For years I've had this phrase stuck in my head: "be content in whatever circumstance you're in." I've repeated it to myself over and over in hopes that one day my head and my heart would reconcile it as truth and be OK with that. I knew the passage the phrase came from: Philippians 4:10-12ff ("ff" means "and following"). And I knew that Paul had been the one talking about contentment.

But this question came into my head: Is it wrong, then, to want something more for your life, your family, or your community, than is currently experienced? In other words, is it a sin to want to change your circumstances? For a long time I thought it might be. Let's look at what Paul says to the Philippians in 4:10-12ff:

"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. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share [with me] in my affliction."

Paul was on the mission field and lived largely on the support he received from churches he had encountered. At times, he earned his own living through labor and business (Acts 18:1-3). His goal was not to be poor nor was it to be rich. Tough he desired that the churches play an active role supporting his work of ministry, he did not want to burden them with his support (1 Cor. 9:12-15). So Paul rejoiced when he had money coming in and learned to make do when he didn't. He didn't guilt his readers into supporting his ministry, for "God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7)." So it is clear that Paul did not receive a steady paycheck! He was, in today's language, a "consultant." An expert in his field who didn't just labor for one church or two, but many churches at many times. Some churches were big, like Ephesus, and could provide higher financial compensation. Others were small, like those in Galtaia, and most likely didn't provide huge support.

What does this have to do with being content in 21st Century America? I think it is this: Paul's secret was not in his ability to adapt to changing times nor in his ability to clip and use coupons. His "secret to being filled" is faith that God will be His strength in every circumstance. Paul's faith, just like his joy, was not dependent on what was happening to him or around him. His faith was in the one person who never changes: God. And his trust was in the unchanging truth of God's love and grace towards him: Paul.

One major note from this passage: I don't think Paul is giving a teaching on contentment for the churches and I don't think Paul's circumstances are the norm for believers. Paul was a single man who did not have children to feed, clothe and nurture, nor a business to keep open, nor a mortgage on a house. He didn't have $10,000 in credit card debt. Paul traveled from city to city, church to church, with a band of disciples (Timothy, Titus, Luke, Clement and the sort), so his lifestyle of contentment was not a model for all believers at all times. But the truth Paul unveils in this passage does transcend time and location: God should be the source of our strength in tough times as well as good times.

So it it wrong to want more for yourself, your family, or your community? Depends on the motive.

Are you seeking change for selfish reasons? To satisfy the ego, for example? If so, you're motives are very wrong. Paul (the same guy who both suffered and celebrated) wrote to the Romans: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you (Rom 12:3)." The sinful flesh is constantly calling all men to reject the good of others and build up themselves. It is pride, ego, arrogance... whatever you want to call it... and it is not good, right and holy. Change for ego's sake is not good change. Be content as a lesser and let God be the decider of if or when to elevate you to a higher position. If you're walking with Him in humility, He will exalt you to a higher place in His perfect timing (I highly suggest you read Philippians 2:1-11 for Paul's explanation).

Or are you seeking change for selfless reasons, for your wife and children, for your neighbors and friends, for the Church? This is where contentment and change cross paths. It is not wrong to seek change for the benefit of others. Paul told the Philippians that this is what Christ did, leaving His place in glory to take on flesh and blood (extreme change) and suffer for our benefit. Indeed, I dare say it is right to do anything selflessly, for it goes against the sinful flesh and the system of this fallen world.

Or maybe you're seeking to use your spiritual gifts to a fuller measure. The Apostle Peter said that each person should actively seek to use their gifts to serve others (1 Pet 4:10). It is not a sin to seek to use your gifts (assuming pure motive) for it honors the Lord and benefits the Church. What is a sin is to suppress or ignore the spiritual gifts of others. I personally believe that any shepherd of the church who seeks to keep his sheep "in their place" is no shepherd at all. This means that the person in charge is suppressing the gifts of the body for the sake of either keeping his own power or position or preventing change. Seek opportunity to use your spiritual gifts. Pray that places will open up where you are. If not, then, pray that, if the Lord wills, He open up places elsewhere for you to serve. Just remember your motive through all this. Keep it pure and it will be right.

Being content is not about having money or not having money. It's about keeping reliance on the Lord for your strength to endure whatever circumstance you find yourself in. I'm not going to tell you that you need a new job (if you have one) or a change of location. I'm not going to tell you to stay where you are and stop whining. Being content and seeking change for your circumstance depends on your motivation. If it is selfless, it is right. If it is selfish, it is wrong.

Be God's.


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