“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV)
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT)
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7:7 NLT)
In Philippians chapter 4 the Apostle Paul gives us his famous teaching on contentment. I think it is very interesting that just one chapter earlier he wrote, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me … I press on to reach the end of the race an receive the heavenly prize…” (Philippians 3:12 & 14 NLT). So which is it Paul? Am I to be content, or press on? Both.
For a long time I thought that Paul was telling me that I was expected to simply accept whatever came my way with open arms and a good attitude. If that were the case then why would Paul press on to something better than his current state of being? Why would Jesus tell us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking if being content were a passive state of acceptance of whatever life dishes out? I think part of the problem is that I mistakenly thought that being content was the same as being satisfied. Let me illustrate the difference.
Contentment in the area of eating means that either by choice, or necessity, I do not eat enough to completely eliminate my hunger without becoming resentful or discontented. I do not allow lack to rob my joy, or abundance to create gluttony. Satisfaction carries the idea of eating so much that I no longer have any hunger left. While of itself this may not always be a bad thing, it can lead to self seeking and waste. Think about a Thanksgiving Day feast. Being content means that as soon as I have eaten enough to adequately fill my bodies needs I stop even though there is more available. Being satisfied means that I eat until I am so full that I cannot eat another bite. Even though there is food available I have absolutely no desire to eat any more.
When I am in a condition of lack in any area, contentment means that I will be thankful for what I have, even though I am not satisfied. I may want, or even need, more, but I do not become bitter or resentful. My contentment guards my heart, while my lack of satisfaction drives me to seek a remedy for my current condition. If I have an abundant supply, contentment guides me away from greed and selfishness. It keeps me aware of the needs of those around me, and promotes a generous spirit within me. Being content will aid in my willingness to “share the wealth.”
Contentment is not complacency. It is not blind acceptance of every negative situation or circumstance I face. Being content doesn’t mean that I am prohibited from seeking more. It means that I am not self seeking. In other words, I am content not to keep everything for myself, but to have a vision for how I can help those around me. Contentment is not motivation to limit abundance or blessing in my life. It does however serve as a guide as to how I make use of the abundance and blessing. And contentment is not satisfaction. It is not living in a way that robs me of the motivation for positive change, growth, and advancement. It puts up guard rails to keep me on the right path.This is why I think we will do well to consider…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 8: “Content but not satisfied.”