Yesterday I attended church at Christ the Rock in Cooper City.  Pastor Darrell’s sermon was a continuation of his current series going through the book of Philippians.  Yesterday’s sermon was about being content.  It got me thinking.  The bible reads in Philippians 4:11-13, “not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed…) in whatever state I am.  I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and  I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance.  I have learned in all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without being in want.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

         For Paul to write, “I have learned how to be content,” to me means that it isn’t something that comes natural.  Paul was talking about all situations, not just when times were good.  He was content even though he was in prison when he wrote this letter.  No matter where you are, or what your circumstance may be, remember that God loves you.  We must learn to be content.  If we can’t afford it at the moment, why be upset about not having a new car, new clothes, etc., as long as the old ones are still in usable condition.  Pastor Darrell said something like, “today’s society makes us think that we should not be happy with what we have; we always need to have the new and improved.” 

 
Are you saying that we should not be prosperous?

         That’s not what I am saying at all.  Paul is saying whether you are at a point in your life where you are lacking or you are at a point where you have an abundance, be content.  God can get you through any situation.  That is written in verse 13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Remember God loves you and wants to be in all aspects of your life.  Many times people who have much, feel that they don’t need God so He might allow them to get into a place where they need Him.