RPG Adults
A PICTURE OF CONTENTMENT
FRIDAY, JUNE 23
Philippians 4:10-12
Acts 22:1-15
“…I rejoiced in the Lord greatly…”
A PICTURE OF CONTENTMENT
In Paul, we see a picture of godly contentment. Paul shared his joy with the Christians of Philippi, as he had just received a monetary gift from them. He was joyful that after so many years, he had finally heard from the Christians at Philippi again and learnt of their steadfastness in the Lord. He knew that they had not sent support for a while because they “lacked opportunity.” Now that they knew he was in Rome, they sent Epaphroditus to bring aid and to minister to him. For that, Paul rejoiced, notwithstanding his current circumstances in prison.
He was quick to make a caveat that he shared this thanksgiving not because he was trying to subtly ask for more support. He was quick to assure them that he was certainly not in want! He told them that he had learnt, in whatsoever state that he was in, to be content.
At this juncture, it is good to remember Paul’s background. He had the privilege of being born a Roman citizen. At a young age, he was sent to Jerusalem to sit at the feet of the esteemed teacher, Gamaliel, and be trained in the best rabbinical schools. He was highly regarded as a leading Pharisee, well respected for his education, zeal and righteous living. However, he gave that all up when he became a Christian. No longer a respected leader, he was now a fugitive on the run. For the rest of his life, he was persecuted, stoned, beaten, and imprisoned. At times he had to work to support himself and his fellow co-workers. It was a harsh, difficult life of sufferings that he had to endure.
Yet, despite all that, he was able to say with full conviction, that he had learned to be content. The word “learned” is a verb given in the aorist tense, referring to the fact that it was a one-time event in the past. When did this happen? It was when he was saved and confronted with the Word of God. As he learned of Christ, he learned of the providential, loving care that God had for him. He no longer sought the gain of the world, but counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ – that was now his one single ambition, and that was what granted him full satisfaction in this life.
THOUGHT: If our ambitions are worldly, we shall never be content.
PRAYER: Father, may my desires be wholly centred on Thee alone.