Paul and the Art of Contentment

What did Paul learn that I need to?

Photo by Pamela Heckel on Unsplash

I’ve been thinking and praying lately about contentment. I suspect a lack of contentment lies beneath the surface of what ails me ninety percent of the time. I long to be let in on the secret that Paul knew- being truly content whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ( Philippians 4:10-12 CSB)

In his usual style, the Apostle Paul manages to make profound statements in brief, succinct paragraphs. It seems that contentment is not a gift bestowed upon us (wouldn’t we all like to receive the gift of contentment!) or even something we can earn. It has to be learned, and learning often comes the hard way. 

Were the experiences Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians 4 part of his learning journey- when he confessed to being afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed? 

Yet Paul also learned contentment in abundance, when he had all that he needed and more. Could we say the same? The human propensity is to become anxious with too much abundance, to wonder when the ‘other shoe will drop’ and it all comes crashing down around us. 

Is it really possible to be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in? 

Looking more closely at the passage in Philippians 4, I notice several things that may have also contributed to Paul’s learned contentment. Firstly, he genuinely loved and appreciated his brothers and sisters in Christ. He called them his ‘joy and crown’ and took the time to encourage them to stand firm in the Lord. I know when I grumble about, judge and criticise the actions and intentions of others in the body of Christ it inevitably leads to a sense of disconnection, disillusionment and a lack of genuine loving concern for those same people. I then feel discontented with my local church body and the wider church as a whole. 

Paul doesn’t bury his head in the sand and ignore conflict in the relationships around him. He urges two particular believers to ‘agree in the Lord’ and reminds them of more important matters- that their names are written in ‘the book of life’. This is a great way to diffuse the power of petty arguments, everyday offences and personal grudges. 

Unresolved tensions and conflicts within my relationships have been a major source of discontentment. Peace and contentment reside where I have done all I can, as far as it relies on me, to be at peace with the people in my life. 

Paul waged war on worry, focusing instead on intentional praise and rejoicing in who God is. He emphasised the need to be gracious in our interactions with others, to not be afraid to present our requests to God with gratitude and thankfulness in our hearts. He then reminds us that our God is near.

Our prayers and petitions can unwittingly morph into a negative news report of everything that is wrong in our lives or could/maybe/might go wrong in our lives if He doesn’t intervene as soon as possible! Sometimes it's wise to stop speaking in prayer, find some music with lyrics that glorify and focus on the wonders of Christ, and just listen. Let the melody of the music and the lyrics carry us to a place of stillness and peace…and hopefully contentment in who our God is. 

Paul then goes on to address our patterns of thinking. I know for sure my level of contentment in life increases when I dwell on what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, of moral excellence and praiseworthy. This is counter-cultural and does not come naturally. But if Paul was able to dwell on such things in the midst of trials, beatings, accusations and opposition, then I am too. It was Christ in Paul the hope of glory, and it is Christ in me which is mine. 

All this looks a lot like Godliness. 

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and  we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 

( 1 Timothy 6:6-8 CSB)

If Godliness with contentment is great gain, then what is contentment without Godliness? Contentment is not a means to an end. It is not the goal. Contentment without God is a dangerous place to be. It could be argued that there is no true contentment without God. Without the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guarding our hearts and minds, contentment can become merely apathy and spiritual stagnation. 

This kind of contentment may be rooted in fear of the unknown, a need to remain in what is comfortable but not God’s calling. 

Godliness with contentment is great gain because it is rooted in the love of Christ, in trusting God and in daily reliance on Him. We brought nothing into the world and it is guaranteed we’ll take nothing out. If we have the Bread of Life and are clothed with Christ we will be content with these. 

So, I’m praying that I will learn to be content with my life as it is now, as it has been and as it will be. That I would have Godliness with contentment. Not in my own strength, but always in His. 

… I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him  who strengthens me.

(Philippians 4:12-13 CSB)