WHAT ABOUT THIS

Phil. 4:12 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. (NIV)

Most people would like to be happy, carefree and self-confident: but the Apostle Paul described himself as 'content'. Happiness depends on what happens, carefree living has no responsibilities and self-confidence comes from competence and acceptance by others. It may sound like an idyllic childhood scene, but it is not the real world for most adults. By contrast, Paul's life of hardship included cold and hunger, riots and imprisonments, shipwrecks and false brothers (see 2 Cor 6:4-10 & 11:23-28) - yet he was able to claim he was content. Interestingly, many today, who have none of his disadvantages, cannot find contentment.

Paul's contentment was neither inherited nor the result of nice circumstances: it was learned in the hard school of the Christian life. Indeed, the dangers and personal insults were all part of the curriculum (so were the times of plenty). God was not being mean to Paul, but testing him in his training to see if he would rely totally on the power and grace of God. Such a man of God is usable for great tasks; and we know he fulfilled his commission well (see 2 Tim 4:7-8), because contentment is very different to complacency. Contented Christians are not wasting energy in fighting what they cannot win, but neither are they apathetic to the Lord's commands. On the contrary, contentment enhances faith, logic and zeal; it enables the job to be completed with clear sightedness and commitment.

Following Jesus will involve learning this essential lesson of faith. The learning process may be longer for some than others ... it cannot really start until we stop resenting the problems and start trusting that the Lord knows what He is doing. That thankful trust is not specific to particular circumstances, but is the normal response of mature faith to any and every situation which comes our way. Even the 'problem' of having an abundance of good things is a test of faith: the Lord is watching to see how we deal with the privilege He gives us. Like many lessons, we rarely achieve consistency in the early stages; and sometimes we have to relearn essential basics. However, the Lord is determined that we shall learn to accept His will in all things, and He will allow whatever is necessary to get us to that point. So think twice before complaining at work, or resenting a family member - the Lord wants you to pass the test so that He can use you more in the future than in the past.

Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for investing Your life in me. Help me to appreciate all the training You set before me, and the tests which show us both how far I have come in Your 'school of faith'. May I see changing circumstances as an adventure with You, rather than an assault on my security. Help me to see my work and friends as all part of Your training so that I can be more useful to You in the future. In Jesus' Name. Amen.