Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

     Paul is an amazing character. The man who once persecuted the church found himself being persecuted. Many times he found himself in jail. He was whipped many times. Sometimes he did not have the support he needed to devote himself fully to the gospel, so he made tents. He was always traveling, not able to own many nice possessions. Paul’s life, from those who do not understand his thinking, is a life of deprivation.

     Yet here, when talking to the Philippians, he assures them that he is able to be content in whatever condition he finds himself. He does not need their support in order to be at peace with his life. If his finances are stretched, or he has to find other work, he will manage. I also think Paul would have said this about anything in his life. As unpleasant as his beatings or his stints in prison might have been, he was able to be content. He tells us why in verse thirteen of the same chapter. It is because of his relationship with Christ that he is able to handle whatever life throws his way.

     Often times, if they would compare their lives to Paul’s people would see that Paul endured much more hardship than they have. Our difficulties often times pale in comparision. Yet we find ourselves being discontent with the slightest setback or difficulty that arises.  Others may have sufferings of similar pain to those of Paul’s. Either way we need to follow his example. when the going gets tough, the Christian gets Christ. In doing so, there is nothing life can throw at us that can unsettle our peace.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.