Content But Not Satisfied

In his book to the church in Philippi, Paul has found the ability to be content with life regardless of his current situation without however, being satisfied. In other words Paul, through his personal relationship with Jesus, learned to be content in whatever he was experiencing (good or bad). In Philippians 4:11, Paul tells us, Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

So, is it really possible to find contentment in this world without becoming complacent? Absolutely! Look at Paul’s life after his conversion on the road to Damascus; he spent everyday trying to better himself as a follower of Christ. Even though Paul admitted to dying daily and experiencing immense persecution, he never stopped. I believe his contentment rooted in Jesus allowed him to continue sharing the gospel regardless of what was happening in his life at that moment. In other words, Paul’s actions and outlook were not determined by his current circumstances.

In The Book of Proverbs (14:14) we read that a good man will be satisfied from above. Or, we won’t be truly satisfied until we are in heaven. In the fifth chapter of Ecclesiastes, the writer is asking us, when is enough enough? In verse 10, we read about the insatiable desire to be richer and richer. In verses 12-14, we read about how not being content with what we have can lead to sleepless nights. And finally in verses 18-20, the writer provides us what is truly a gift from God: the ability to rejoice in what we have been given in life.

I encourage you to spend some time with God this week talking about all the things He has given you. Are you content?

Pastor Aaron