LEARNING CONTENTMENT

Text: Phil. 4:11 (NIV); “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

We can LEARN Contentment. It is not something that comes naturally in us. It is not something that is instantaneous. It is not gain by merely meeting the right people or having the right connection. It does not come with your own position even if you reached the top of the corporate ladder. It is not found in having a good paying job or having a fancy car or a nice house. It does not come with having plenty of money in the Bank. Many people have these but they are not content. They want more. Contentment therefore must be learned. We must educate ourselves about it. It must be cultured and developed in us.

The word “learned” in the original Greek actually mean “to increase in knowledge; to be informed or to learn by use and constant practice.” The apostle Paul therefore is saying that in order to learn contentment, we must constantly put it into practice. It is like a new habit that we must learn if we are to succeed in life. Since we can learn contentment, we must therefore UNLEARN discontent. Reject the idea of being discontent. Reject any form of dissatisfaction in your life. Be happy with what you’ve got. Be grateful with what God has given you. True contentment is found in our relationship with God not in things money can buy. Let us learn the virtue of contentment in whatever state or circumstances that we are in.

This is from one of Aesop’s fables. “A Peacock once prayed to God, asking to be given the voice of a nightingale in addition to his other attractions; but God refused his request. When the peacock persisted, and pointed out that he was God's favorite bird, God said: "Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything."

In the same manner, don’t grumble if you are not able to receive your request. Never complain if you are not served first. Don’t find fault when you are no one notices you. Don’t moan when people pass you by. Don’t whine when you don’t have what they’ve got. We must learn the good quality of contentment.

Contentment is learned by being yourself truthfully. Contentment is learned by accepting what you’ve got gratefully. Contentment is learned by valuing your dignity joyfully. Contentment is learned by expressing your own personality radiantly.

Heb. 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Just the thought that God is with you is enough for us to be grateful with our present circumstance of life.