Discretionary Content!

Even among those who possess great wealth is found a sense of discontentment. The more some have the more they want. However, there are also those who have developed a sense of complacency regarding their life. That may be an equally challenging problem affecting the perspective for living. Someone has noted “It is right to be content with what you have, never with what you are.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E.C. McKenzie]

A sense of contentment associated with some DISCERNMENT appears to be what Paul possessed. As he focused on living his life to the glory of God Paul understood the value of being content in some areas of his life while having a healthy sense of discontent in others. Both of these focuses are noted in his letter to the church at Philippi.

Writing to the Philippian brethren, Paul stated…
“(11) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I HAVE LEARNED IN WHATEVER SITUATION I AM TO BE CONTENT. (12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” ( Philippians 4:11-12 ESV)

Though Paul had experienced times of need, he still had learned contentment. He endured many hardships during the time of his ministry. Nevertheless Paul did not see himself as a needy individual, but rather one who was greatly blessed and provided for by the Lord. In fact, that seems to be the key point of his next statement.

“I can do all things THROUGH HIM who strengthens me.” (Philippians
4:13)

It was his trust in the Lord to provide which helped Paul maintain this spirit of contentment. However, as Paul DISCERNED his life, striving to keep it all in proper balance, there was an area of his life where he refused to be content. He appears to have allowed no room for any sense of complacency to settle into his life.

Earlier in this same letter Paul noted…
“(12) NOT THAT I HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED THIS OR AM ALREADY PERFECT, but I PRESS ON to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I DO NOT CONSIDER THAT I HAVE MADE IT MY OWN. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and STRAINING FORWARD TO WHAT LIES AHEAD, (14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 3:12-14 ESV)

Paul had not arrived spiritually. He had proper DISCERNMENT in differentiating between being content with what he had and with regard to where he was in his spiritual life. He recognized there was still much room for growth and therefore continually pressed on to take hold of all relating to His calling in Christ.

If we lack contentment regarding WHAT WE HAVE we can very easily get sucked into “things” becoming our life pursuit, finding ourselves distracted away from what relates to our spiritual well-being. On the other hand, if we become content with WHAT WE ARE spiritually, we will soon find ourselves becoming spiritually stagnant and drifting away from the Will of God.

May we, like Paul, properly discern between these two. Let us learn contentment with regard to the blessings we have, while continuing to grow in Christian character, striving always to become more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a great day KEEPING WHAT WE HAVE AND ARE IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE!
Carl

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