Philippians

The Bible teaches us, as followers of Christ, to be joyful and content. The question that arises from that teaching is how? How do I become content in a world of discontent? I believe the answer is found in Paul’s writings to the church. He first says that he “Learned” to be content. So, it is a process that takes place over time. Three things I believe need to happen for you and I to learn to be content.

1. We must love and value our relationship with God above all else in our lives. We best understand the value of our relationship with God when we fully comprehend the broken relationship that was mended through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Placing our faith in Christ restored our relationship with God and it comes with a promise of Christ never leaving nor forsaking us.

2. We must come to a place of understanding that we have been called to be servants, some translations even say slaves. Paul and the other early followers of Christ gave up everything personal desire they had for the privilege of following Jesus Christ! That is amazing since we all have desires and wants in our lives. Paul teaches us that nothing has the value of knowing Christ and just as Christ came “not to be served but to be a servant to all,” we too must have that same attitude.

3. We must live in the present. All too often people attempt to live in the past, desiring to go back to “the way it used to be.” Truth be told nothing is ever the way it used to be. Others are never content in the present because they are always looking at the great things that will happen tomorrow. Paul said not to worry about tomorrow. Peter said the same in his writings, simply because we do not know if there will be a tomorrow. So, we live in the present with one important caveat, our future is secure in Christ! Live in the present no matter the struggle because we know it is temporary and our hope is in the resurrection when we will be joined with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in a new eternal life!