LEARNING CONTENTMENT – AN INSIDE ISSUE

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content – Philippians 4:11

“Contentment happens on the inside… Most of us base our contentment on our circumstances, on our feelings, or on other people. However, true contentment is separate from our circumstances. Contentment is a state of the HEART, not a state of AFFAIRS.

In King Henry VI Shakespeare poetically described internal contentment. A king is wandering in the country and meets two gamekeepers. He informs them that he is a king. One of them asks, “But if thou be a king, where is thy crown?” He replies:

My crown is in my heart, not on my head;
Not deck’d with diamonds and Indian stones,
Nor to be seen; my crown is call’d content
A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.

How many…do you know who wear this crown called “content”? You can probably count them on one hand…Contentment is rare, but it is possible.

The apostle Paul makes an amazing statement in Philippians 4:11-13 – A look at Paul’s life reveals how amazing these verses are. His life was full of anything but positive circumstances. He wrote them imprisoned in a dark, dreary dungeon without sanitation, heat, or exercise equipment…He was chained to a guard. He was lonely…

Paul lived an extremely difficult life. He was beaten almost to death, constantly misunderstood, deserted by friends – Paul’s life was anything but perfect and controlled; yet he said, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Incredible! In other words, contentment can be learned…

Paul followed his extraordinary declaration about having learned to be content in all circumstances with the secret of how (Phil.4:13). This often-quoted verse is translated literally from the Greek as, “I am able to face anything by the One who makes me able [to do it]” Have you ever wondered why this verse immediately follows Paul’s bold statements about contentment? Paul recognised that the source and strength of all Christian contentment is God Himself.”