Devotion 10.18.23

Philippians 4

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. At this point there is a question that forms on my lips for Paul: How? John Steinbeck's final novel, "Winter of Our Discontent," deals with a man who lost his aristocratic status in the US due to poor decisions by his father, and his family criticizes the middle-class life they now find themselves in . Dad has become a grocery store clerk. to make ends meet, but he hatches a plot to gain his former wealth and status in high society back.

We all find ourselves in similar situations to one level or another. How to gain more in life given my current means. You say, "Well, I am not that way," and I would bet we could find a vulnerability somewhere in which coveting something or envy of another's possession drives the person making the declaration. 

How Paul, how? How do you live in this world having enjoyed the status of a well-educated and respected pharisee and not suffer from being discontented at some level? Paul has apparently disciplined himself to a point of both inwardly and outwardly learned the art of humility, which he attributes to Christ in earlier passages in Philippians. His past life is nothing and being in Christ would complete "my (Paul's) joy being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (2:2)

For who sin daily, like me, I also turn to Christ's grace and love and pray for forgiveness when my discontent gets the best of me. When I see a new trailer and start thinking about how it would be better than the one I have, or when my neighbor gets a new car or grill, my eyes and mind shift and I can feel the desire start working within me. More serious examples exist, but hopefully we get the idea of where to turn when it comes to being content...in Christ Jesus.

Paul finishes the section with this blessing for us: "And my God will supply every need of yours according o his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."