Content...Satisfied

Good Morning,

Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11 (CEV)
I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have.

Two words leap out from the page as I read these translations of this verse. One is the word content. The other is the word satisfied. You see, the thing is, I believe that the world, society as a whole, has lost the concept of both these words. And, if we were to add in "enough," well, it goes without saying that only very few people alive today, at least in the fairly well to do world in which we live understand THAT word.

Paul, I think, is telling those around him...and all generations to every live after him...that the concept of being "content" or "satisfied" with what they have been given by God should be, even needs to be, enough in their lives.

However, that's not where we now find ourselves, is it? And, being unable to understand what enough and satisfied and content mean, well, I firmly believe that is the reason we find ourselves...the whole world now, it seems...in such a huge financial mess that seems to have no end. But, I guess that's a whole different discussion...the world financial disaster.

What God is impressing in my mind and therefore what I feel led to send along, is the simply fact that we need to not just read and politely nod our heads in assent at this verse of Scripture. No, we need to do much more than that. What we need to do, and it starts with each person individually, is to wrap our minds and hearts (even our very souls) around those three words: content; satisfied; enough, for if we do not and if we can not, then there is very little hope that the mistakes we've made in our lives financially will every be rectified.

Then, even if we WERE to be fortunate enough to be blessed with the financial means to get out of our present fiscal crisis, we'll never be truly happy or pleased with wherever we find ourselves because, you see, we shall never have enough.

Let me tell you a personal story. One day about 15 or more years ago, I found myself in a very difficult place financially. I had lost my excellent, good paying job (that "downsizing" thing that had begun about then) and I was collecting unemployment. My prospects were not good. It was tough. So, as I was in my little office at home I was "crying the blues" to God about where I found myself and how in the world I would get out of that situation. As I poured out my heart for God to provide a better job with more money, I heard that still, small voice which said, "Look around you. See all that I have provided." When I took a moment to realize that I had two automobiles which were paid for, a home with a fairly reasonable mortgage payment, plenty of food in the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator, well, things didn't look so bleak. And I then heard, "David, how much is enough for you?" At that moment, I realized that I truly did NOT, until then, understand what "enough" meant. However, since that time, I have come to fully understand the concept of "enough" and I've learned to be content and satisfied with what the Lord provides.

You see? In our striving for more and in not being content or satisfied with what we have (not understanding "enough"), we can simply not be happy or at peace. If we look about and begin to desire more or this, a better that, a new something else...when all the time what we have is surely sufficient to for our needs...then, our lives become just another page in the rat race book of uncontrolled greed.

Paul said, "I have learned to be content (satisfied) whatever the circumstances (with whatever I have)."

I think it would be a good idea for us to follow his lead on this. Don't you?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David