"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11).
Disappointment! Was there ever a time when there was so much discontent and restlessness in the world as there is today? We very much doubt it. Despite our boasted progress, the vast increase of wealth, the time and money expended daily in pleasure - discontent is everywhere! No class is exempt. Everything is in a state of flux, and almost everybody is disatisfied. Many even among God's own people are affected with the evil spirit of this age.
Contentment! Is such a thing realizable, or is it nothing more than a beautiful ideal, a mere dream of the poet? Is it attainable on earth, or is it restricted to the inhabitants of heaven? If feasible here and now, may it be retained, or are a few brief moments or hours of contentment the most that we may expect in this life? Such questions as these find answer, an answer at least, in the words of the apostle Paul: "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
The force of the apostle's statement will be better appreciated if his condition and circumstances at the time he made it, are kept in mind. When the apostle wrote the words, he was not luxuriating in a special suite in the Emperor's palace, nor was he being entertained in some exceptional Christian household, the members of which were marked by unusual piety. Instead, he was "in chains"; "a prisoner", as he says in another Epistle. And yet, notwithstanding, he declared he was content!
Now, there is a vast difference between precept and practice, between the ideal and the realization. But in the case of the apostle Paul contentment was an actual experience, and one that must have been continuous, for he says, "in whatever state I am." How then did Paul enter into this experience, and of what did the experience consist? The reply to the first question is to be found in the word, "I have learned...to be content." The apostle did not say, "I have received the baptism of the Spirit, and therefore contentment is mine." Nor did he attribute this blessing to his perfect "consecration." Equally plain is it that it was not the outcome of natural disposition or temperament. It is something he had learned, in the school of Christian experience. It should be noted, too, that this statement is found in an Epistle which the apostle wrote near the close of his earthly career!
From what has been pointed out it should be apparent that the contentment which Paul enjoyed was not the result of congenial and comfortable surroundings. And this at once dissipates a vulgar conception. Most people suppose that contentment is impossible unless one can have gratified the desires of the carnal heart. A prison is the last place to which they would go if they were seeking a contented man. This much, then, is clear: contentment comes from within not without; it must be sought from God, not in creature comforts.
But let us endeavor to go a little deeper. What is contentment? It is the being satisfied with the sovereign dispensations of God's providence. It is the opposite of murmuring, which is the spirit of rebellion - the clay saying to the Potter, "Why have you made me thus?" Instead of complaining at his lot, a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are. Instead of greedily desiring something more than the supply of his present need, he rejoices that God still cares for him. Such an one is "content" with such as he has. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5).
One of the fatal hindrances to contentment is covetousness, which is a canker eating into and destroying present satisfaction. It was not, therefore, without good reason, that our Lord gave the solemn commandment to His followers - "Take heed, and beware of covetousness." (Luke 12:15). Few things are more insidious. Often it poses under the fair name of "thrift," or the wise safeguarding of the future - present economy so as to lay up for a "rainy day." The Scripture says, "covetousness is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5) - the affections of the heart being set upon material things rather than upon God. The language of a covetous heart is that of the horseleech's daughter, "Give, Give!" The covetous man is always desirous of more, whether he has little or much. How vastly different the words of the apostle - "If we have food and clothing we will be content with these" (1 Timothy 6:8).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
No comments:
Post a Comment