“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
How do we get to the place of contentment? And is there a way to remain
there, while going through the changes and challenges of life? The Word
of God can give us spiritual guidance as we ponder the answer to such
questions.
There we learn that Paul, the great Christian missionary, knew
something about human weakness. He refers to a “thorn in the flesh”
that troubled him (2 Corinthians12:7). The apostle doesn’t reveal his
particular malady, but he seems to have had a problem with his eyesight
(see Galatians 6:11). And he speaks of visiting the church in Corinth
“in weakness and fear, and with much trembling” (1 Corinthians. 2:3).
Paul did know a lot about suffering. In Second Corinthians 11 (verses
23-28) he speaks of being beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked
(three times!), and more. Yet, in Philippians 4:11, he says
significantly, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
Whether in plenty or in want (vs. 12), he had discovered an abundant
sufficiency in Christ (vs. 13).
And did you notice the phrase “I have learned”? That suggests Paul did
not always possess this characteristic. As he had various experiences,
he gained spiritual wisdom, and co-operated with the Lord, who produced
this fruit in him as part of a maturing process.
How does this growth come about? I’d like to mention a few practical
things that have helped me in this regard–though I do not want to give
the impression that I follow these guidelines without fail, or that I’m
contented all the time. We are each a work in progress! But here are
some things to try:
1. Live here and now, and one day at a time.
2. Don’t hurry unnecessarily.
3. Turn worries over to God.
4. Learn to live with things undone.
5. Pursue excellence, not perfection.
6. Practice gratitude.
Perhaps it would be helpful to take even one of these, asking the
Spirit of God to imprint it on your life. And trust Him to make you
more content.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth Cottrill lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with
her recently retired pastor/teacher husband, Bob. She finds living with
Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, osteo-arthritis and a stroke of
several years ago a challenge, but also training for a ministry to
others. This couple have one child, a dear son, a special
daughter-in-law, who with their two wonderful young children are living
in Mexico, preparing for a church planting ministry.
Thank you for sharing this devotional with us. I love the insight that Paul "learned" to be content in every circumstance and that this was something the Lord grew in him. Just that is so hope filled. Thanks sister.
Posted by: Libby | July 24, 2008 at 09:48 PM