The Secret of Being Content

This morning our Sunday school lesson was on the secrets of being content.  For the past 3 months we have been going through Philippians and today we ended our study on Philippians covering chapter 4, verses10-23.  As we come to the end of Paul's letter, it is good to take a step book and look at what Paul says in Philippians 4:9.  Paul says that we are do what we have learned, received, heard and seen in him.  So the question becomes what has Paul taught us in this letter?  There are several things we have learned and here are some of those things:

• Rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4)
• Put the past behind and look forward (Phil 3:13)
• Stand firm in the Lord (Phil 4:1)
• Do everything without grumbling and arguing (Phil 2:14)
• Look out for the interests of others (Phil 2:4)
• Do nothing out of rivalry (Phil 2:3)
• Watch out for evil workers (Phil 3:2)
• Boast in Christ and do not put confidence in the flesh (Phil 3:3)

Paul learned to be content in whatever circumstance he was in.  As Paul says in 4:11-12 "I have learned to content in whatever circumstance I am.  I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content - whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need."  Do you find yourself being content when you have little or you have a lot?

Being content is nothing that just comes to you at the snap of the fingers.  This is learned over time.  Just as Paul learned, we too are learning and with learning comes wisdom, knowledge and understanding

Paul follows up his secret he has learned of being content with a verse that has a huge impact in my life.  Paul says in Philippians 4:13..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  He did not say some things....Paul says ALL things.  We all have hardships and trials we go through everyday.  Paul also had hardships and trials.  Even while in prison he learned to be content, rejoice in the Lord and know that it is the strength of Christ that is above all else and got him through these times.

The same is true in my life.  The ministry of Team 413 has changed me from the inside out.  It is a transformation that all goes back to one.  It is not about me, it is about glorifying God in all I do.  Christ is the vine and I am one of the branches using His word to help proclaim the Gospel.  In all of the running events I have been a part of since January 2009, I have worn a Team 413 shirt.  It is amazing to see how God breathed a single verse that is such an encouragement to many.  I hear comments of gratitude from fellow runners how that verse helped them finish the race set before them.  Just like there is a finish line at the end of a marathon, there is also a finish line in our spiritual life and that is Jesus Christ.

God blessed me with the opportunity to spend a few minutes in front of my Sunday school class today to talk about the impact Philippians 4:13 has had on my life and how I am running for Christ with Team 413.  I knew God would provide by giving me the words to say.  I told the class how the strength of Christ gave me the courage and ability to stand up in front of the class and speak.  It was such a blessing to see the response of everyone as I stood up there.  I know it was truly God at work.

Seeds have been planted and I pray that God will continue to use me to help in planting more seeds in order to see His fruit flourish.