The Secret of Being Content

Philippians 4: 10-13 (NIV)
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I know a man, an itinerant Bible teacher really, who lives what he teaches. He knows the biblical promises of God and lives his life accordingly. He doesn't appear hungry nor in want, but then I do the math. I know how many courses he is teaching. I know how much he charges. Multiply that out and it comes to about one tenth of what it would take to earn a decent living as a teacher.

Yet, he knows the secret of being content.

He relies entirely on faith that there are enough Philippians left in this consumer-focused world to support his work. He is living a life, not unlike Paul did I suppose, not being terribly concerned about where the next house payment is coming from or whether there will be food on the table tonight. He knows he is doing what the Lord wants him to do. That alone is sufficient. I can't begin to imagine the strength it takes to keep from just giving up his ministry and settling down with a "real" job with predictable income.

My human view of contentment is sitting comfortably out in the yard on a summer evening reading a book -- knowing that with a steady income and a well-managed retirement account I can do everything I want. And then I die having done nothing – at least nothing God wanted me to do. My human view of a life of contentment is pretty pointless, isn't it?

Missionaries know the secret. They know that when they rely entirely on Jesus for their wellspring of strength, they experience a depth of contentment that extends beyond this life. Eternal contentment. Whoo. That's different.

It doesn't take a "call" to the missionary field to "do everything through him who gives me strength." I can do that every time I get up in the morning, every time I work face-to-face with someone, every time I give someone a hug or pray for them. I can do that in the aisle of a grocery store or in line at the coffee shop. I can do that in everything I do. But that is not easy. My "head" keeps rationalizing what Jesus would want me to do, rather than listening through my heart for what Jesus is wanting me to do – right here – right now. What a difference that makes! My joy is coming from continuing to learn what this is difference is all about.