Thieves of Contentment

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4

Today's Treasure: "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" (Phil. 4:12).

How many truly contented people do you know? They are rare gems, aren't they? The enemy loves to see our discontentment. Why? Contented Christians live a powerful and effective testimony. Their lives are walking witnesses, proving that Christ can deliver what the gods of this world can't. You can be sure of this: Wherever a rare gem exists, a jewel thief is lurking close by. We can identify five thieves of contentment based on Philippians 4.

1. Pettiness. To everyone who thought the apostle Paul did not believe in women in ministry - allow me to introduce Euodia and Syntyche: "I plead with Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. ...help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel" (Phil. 4:2-3).

Someone dubbed them "Odious" and "Soon Touchy." They worked right beside Paul. They were fellow workers! They had just one little problem: they couldn't get along. Let's admit it: people can be petty!

God intentionally made women sensitive. I believe the counterfeit of sensitivity is pettiness. We tend to get our feelings hurt easily and take things personally. God gave us a special tenderness and sensitivity to lend a sweetness to our service. Pettiness sours a servant's heart and steals contentment.

2. Anxiety. Does anything rob us of contentment more than anxiety? I can't think of a more successful jewel thief. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Phil. 4:6).

No anxiety—what a thought! How do we turn off the valve that is pumping anxiety into our souls? Paul proposes an answer: prayer. You might say, "A better solution to fighting anxiety must exist. I've prayed—and still been anxious." I want to suggest gently that you haven't necessarily been practicing the kind of prayer Paul was describing as a prescription for anxiety.

Verse 6 describes an intimate and active prayer life. Notice Paul's words for prayer and supplication. The word prayer refers to a very general kind of prayer. The word supplication is translated from the Greek word deesis describing a very personal kind of prayer. Deesis is "the petition for specific individual needs and wants." Paul exhorted believers to come to God with general requests and needs as well as the details that cause us anxiety. Then don't give up! Persist until peace comes.

Keep praying not only about your critical needs but also about everything! An open line of communication with God reminds you He is real and active in your life. Peace overflowing from an active prayer life lends contentment.

3. Destructive thinking. Proverbs 23:7 describes man with the words, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (KJV). We might apply the proverb this way: A person feels like he or she thinks. Our human natures tend toward negative and destructive thoughts. If ten people complimented you today and one person criticized, which would you go to bed thinking about tonight? Probably the criticism!

Destructive, negative thinking is a habit that can be broken, but this thief takes diligence to overcome. God knows the tendency of the mind to meditate on things. Meditation is simply the thinking and rethinking of certain subject matter. Paul gave us a wonderful checklist for determining whether our thoughts are worth thinking. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things," (Phil. 4:8). Worthy thought patterns are a key to contentment.

4. Resistance to learn. In verse 11 Paul wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." We do not suddenly get contentment. We learn it. No one was born with contentment. Paul learned from experience that God was faithful no matter what circumstance he met. Had he never been in want, He never would have learned! Often we're in no mood to learn when we're in difficult circumstances, but God desires to show us that we can't meet a circumstance He can't handle. We handcuff a sly thief of contentment when we ask God to give us hearts willing to learn.

5. Independence. We now unmask the fifth thief that steals the rare gem of contentment. Refusing to rely on God robs us of some of God's most priceless riches. Through countless ups and downs, Paul learned he could do everything God called him to do, but only "through him [Christ] who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:13). Through the multitude of needs Paul encountered, he learned that "God will meet all your needs.in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

I believe Paul considered reliance on God a secret because everyone has to discover it for themselves. I can tell you God will meet your every need. I can say that you can do all things through Christ; but until you find out for yourself, it's still a secret. I can tell you, but He will show you. Let Him. He is so faithful.

Contentment is a rare gem. Because Paul ceased letting thieves steal his contentment, his testimony was powerful. Even many who belonged to Caesar's household were compelled to know Christ! (See Phil 4:22.) My guess is, Paul had a secret they wanted to know.

Lord, it's wonderful to know that contentment is a reachable goal no matter what situation I'm in. Thank You for unmasking the thieves of contentment in my life. Through Your Spirit's power, help me put to death pettiness, anxiety, destructive thinking, resistance to learn, and independence. Let my contentment in every circumstance be a powerful testimony to Your faithfulness and sufficiency. In the name of my Savior, Amen.

Adapted from To Live Is Christ, by Beth Moore, pages 269-272. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2001. Used by permission.