Discovering the Secret of Contentment

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

Paul, in his letter to the church at Philippi, writes to them about the need to THINK about positive things--noble, just, true, pure, lovely, and of good report. He then goes on to talk to them about his own contentment in the midst of not-so-great circumstances, humanly speaking.

Paul learned to be content, he tells us, which kind of implies that he hasn't always known how. Read 4:13, where he says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Christ is his strength, and Christ is his source of contentment.

Paul tells them what to think about, and tells him he has learned to be content, and then tells them that he can do all things through Christ.

That gets me to wondering: What would life be like if I only thought about Jesus Christ? Now that might seem like a tall order, but think about this. What if in every situation where I am tempted to be discontent, I see Jesus in the midst of the situation? What if I think of things to be thankful for in the midst of it? (see 4:6-7)

When I am unsatisfied with my living conditions, what if I focused on thankfulness for having a roof over my head?

When I am unhappy in my job, what if I thanked the Lord that I have a job?

When I want something I can't afford (a new computer, an i-pod, a new car, a room addition, an electronic toy, etc.), what if I were to look around at the abundance that I DO have, and be thankful?

When I don't have enough, according to my own standards, what if I were to be thankful that God supplies what I need (not necessarily what I want)?

What if in my temptation to be discontent, I instead made a choice to be content because Jesus Christ has saved me from my sins and given me eternal life? What if I were to focus on gratitude for that awesome gift? Isn't that really all I need after all?

Being discontent is a choice. Being content is also a choice. Which do you choose?