Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“I HAVE LEARNED in whatever state I am, TO BE CONTENT” – Philippians 4:11b

Believers can learn the LIFESTYLE of CONTENTMENT: “I HAVE LEARNED in whatever state I am, TO BE CONTENT: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil.4:11b-13). This is the timeless testimony of Paul the apostle, a man who went without the comforts of life more than most people could ever imagine, and therefore knew and shared the secret of contentment. If Paul could, we also can cultivate the Lifestyle of Contentment.

Contentment is not an innate quality nut a mindset that can be cultivated through practice and reliance on God. Today’s meditation passage describes the impact of a lifestyle of contentment, emphasizing that true commitment is not dependent on external circumstances but on an inner state of mind rooted in faith and trust in God. Paul shared his personal experience of learning to be content in both abundance and need, highlighting the secret to this contentment as relying on Christ’s Strength: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (v.4:13).

Contentment is the heart attitude of being satisfied with what we have, who we are, and where we’re going, in God. Regardless of their financial status, people generally possess a selfish desire for the same thing – more! Yet, Solomon, the wisest, richest, and most influential king in Israel's history, ultimately learnt contentment: "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance with increase. This also is vanity” (Ecc.5:10). Godliness and contentment sync. The godly man can sleep contentedly well with a good conscience; while, ungodly persons, whose lifestyles are characterised by greed “fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1Tim.6:9).

Our Lord Jesus considered lack of contentment as sin: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ... For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mt.6:25, 32-33). God is not against riches, but greed. Envy, resentment, and unhealthy competition come from looking at others; contentment comes from looking up to God. He is truly rich who is contented with what he has in Christ! It is in Christ alone that we can enjoy true contentment!