Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have 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 am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have 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. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Are you cultivating the discipline of Christian contentment? Perhaps you have never thought of it as a discipline. Complaining, negativity, grumbling, and a critical spirit all grow quite well in the soil of selfishness. They are like weeds. The field of the heart left untended will grow them quite bountifully.
If you desire a good crop to grow, it has to be tended, developed, and cared for. The grace of God is overflowing to His children, superabundantly. Yet many of His children never seem to be content. At the heart of the matter is a lack of gratitude to God. If you lack contentment in your life, by your heart attitude, you are saying, "God, you have not provided adequately for me. Your grace is not sufficient."
The process of growing in the discipline of Christian contentment was a painful one for Paul. When he wrote these Holy Spirit inspired words, he did so as an old man, with most of life behind him, as a prisoner in Rome.
I am asking God to cultivate in my heart the discipline of Christian contentment so that I will taste and see and appreciate the goodness of God. I pray you will do the same.
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