Contentment in the Lord

I would like to begin today by considering a couple of passages that Paul wrote concerning contentment. It seems as if we live in an age, especially in America, where few are really content. We never seem to be satisfied with where we are or what we have. 

Philip. 4:11-13 
    Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Tim. 6:6-8     

But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.     

As we consider the words of Paul, we need to have a proper understanding of the context of these passages. The epistle to the Philippians was written while Paul was imprisoned. He wrote his first letter to Timothy shortly after being released from his first imprisonment. Surely Paul knew what it was to suffer for the cause of Christ. He had experienced great adversity and persecution for his faith. And yet Paul does not complain. There isn't even a hint of regret in his voice. He does not long to have been removed from the trials he faced. He is not having a "pity party" or asking the Lord why he has been forced to face such trying times in his life. Paul is well aware of the sovereignty of God and has no doubt that the Lord had brought him to that place in life and was planning to use him in the situation that he was in. 

I know that there are those around the world that are facing intense persecution for their faith. There are those who face the very real possibility of death for committing to follow Christ. I have never faced a situation like that. I am free to worship the Lord and serve Him without any real persecution. However, for many American Christians, I sense a lack of contentment in the Lord. Many are always seeking something better. Rather than a song of praise, many resort to complaints about how bad their current situation is. Have we faced what Paul did? Are our lives in danger right now for our association with the church and our faith in Christ? We need to learn to be content in the Lord and praise Him for all that abundant blessings that we have! 

I was privileged this week to meet with some of the folks from our church at a local nursing home where a few of the residents are members at Fellowship. We had a communion service on Thursday evening at the nursing home and enjoyed a precious time of worship. At the conclusion of the service one our ladies, who lives there, testified of the Lord's goodness in her life. She told of how she was ready to attend church one Sunday morning, several years ago, and while she waited for the neighbor to pick her up, she fell in her home, severely breaking her shoulder. In a short time she was being placed in the nursing home. The first day and night were most difficult. She asked, "Lord, why am I having to face this? I was trying to do my best in serving you. I was ready to go to church when I fell. I have tried to live for you and serve you. Why has this happened to me?" The next morning as she woke, the Lord gave her a peace about the situation. He confirmed that He had placed her there for a purpose. She was to be a witness to Him for others who lived at the nursing home. Since that time she has never questioned the Lord again. She is a faithful witness to all who will listen. Only heaven will reveal the lives she has touched by being content where she is and allowing God to use her.  You see godliness with contentment is great gain. 

I pray that we will realize just how good God has been in our lives and be content with what we have and where He has placed us. As long as we have the Lord, we have all we need! 

Preacher Chris