08.30.07
“CONTENT!”
Philippians 4:12-13
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives strength.”
Several years ago I received the following humorous story. I hasten to add that it could just as easily apply to men as well as women:
Recently a “Husband Shopping Center” opened in Oklahoma City, where women could go to choose a husband from among many men. It was laid out in five floors, with the men increasing in positive attributes as you ascended up the floors. The only rule was, once you opened the door to any floor, you must choose a man from that floor, and if you went up a floor, you couldn’t go back down except to leave the place never to return. A couple of girlfriends go to the Center to find husbands.
First floor:
The door had a sign saying, “These men have jobs and love kids.” The women read the sign and say, “Well, that’s better than not having jobs, or not loving kids, but I wonder what’s further up?” So up they go.Second floor:
“These men have high paying jobs, love kids, and are extremely good looking.” Hmmm, say the girls. But, I wonder what’s further up?Third floor:
“These men have high paying jobs, are extremely good looking, love kids and help with the housework.” Wow! say the women. Very tempting, BUT, there’s more further up! And up they go.Fourth floor:
“These men have high paying jobs, love kids, are extremely good looking, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.” Oh, mercy me. But just think! What must be awaiting us further on! So up to the fifth floor they go.Fifth floor:
The sign on that door said, “This floor is empty and exists only to prove that women are impossible to please. Good-bye.”
“If only I had a husband, or a wife, or a new car, or a new house or such and such—then I would be content!” How many times have we heard that, or even uttered words such as those. By nature we seem to be a people that lack a feeling of contentment. There is always something not quite to our liking.
The lack of contentment, my dear friends, comes as a result of being controlled by our carnal, human nature. Trust me on this, we are in a battle between our human nature and our spiritual nature. Sadly it is often our human nature that wins out over the spiritual resolves we make.
I am so glad that Paul gives us a radiant testimony of his victory over discontent. He freely states that there were times in his life when he was prosperous. But there were also times when he had nothing. He wants us to understand that it is not the good things of life or distasteful things that matter—it is Christ who makes the difference.
Paul sums up his comments on the plenty and lack in a unique manner. It is not the good times or the bad times which gives us contentment in this life. It is the power of Christ, not our power that matters; “I can do everything through Him who gives strength.”
Here is another verse which should be a constant reminder for each of us who strive to find lasting contentment. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be “contented.”
- - - Pastor Cecil