contentment

Godly contentment is great gain. One of the scripture verses I have familiarised myself with and was brought back to memory today as the sermon touched on Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me." Instanly I recalled the year 1999-2000 which I experienced rapid growth as a young Christian, hungry and grateful for teaching on God's word. I remembered poignantly how much I took it to heart to remind myself daily to be contented and thanked God every moment of blessing or challenge, plenty or lack. It kept me humble and made available plenty opportunity for thanksgiving, which deeply edified my spirit. Surely it had kept jealousy and envy at bay, as I keep count of God's mercy and favor upon my life, fear and despair had no room to creep in. There was hope, dependency and severity to grow.

Today as I reflect on this word again, I have found a new meaning attached to it in the dictionary. Indeed I am well acquainted with contentment as in satisfaction, but today I noticed the second meaning to contentment is "the willingness (to do)". Hence, Philippians 4:11 would add to my understanding this light of view in my paraphrase "... for I have learnt in whatever state I am, to be willing" - which enables me to connect to what is in Paul's mind when he was conveying to us about his lifestyle and ministry. This makes sense to me now of how I am forfeited from the joy that satisfies by the unwilling attitude I had been displaying in certain situations especially when I am inconvenienced, insulted, unappreciated. The lack of willingness removes the sincerity of service which really, only God can see through the polite gestures and the normally accepted behaviours. What I am learning today is that purity of service comes from a contented heart that is willing to receive God's will above circumstances. Heart-titudes, takes more muscle to work out than plain talk and understanding. Again and again I come back to this conclusion regarding service and loving God: No matter what stage of experience a person can possess, it is the heart condition that matters.