In the search for happiness and purpose in this life, it can grow frustrating when people toss around the phrase "learn to be content." You hear it when you voice a desire. You tell it to yourself when your left ring finger remains bare.
I can't even count how many people I've talked with who have discussed the necessity of learning how to be content. I hear sentences along the lines of, "Once I'm completely content with Christ, then ..." (fill in the completion of a desire).
I could not disagree more.
While Paul does state that he learned how to be content, I think we have changed the meaning of this. I have too often heard people use contentment as a way to get what they desire. What they don't realize is this: The kind of contentment they are searching for, they will never attain. At least not on earth.
I believe we have mistaken Paul's words with an unrealistic expectation. For those who are single, this expectation means they must find themselves completely content with God before He will bless them with a significant other. For those who are trying to have kids, unhappy in their career or nervous about the future, the concept remains the same.
Webster's Dictionary defines the word content as "not needing more." If we push for contentment in order to feel like we don't need anything else in life, we fool ourselves.
We were made for more than this life will ever give us. We were made for eternity.
There will always be a longing inside us that desires the need for something more. A feeling of discontentment. That need is the desire to stand in the presence of our Creator and worship Him forever.
As a result of this, we can learn how to rely on God more, which is what I believe Paul was referring to when he talked of being content, or sufficient, despite his circumstances.
This is not about arguing over the use of the word content. It's about realizing what we truly desire in being content.
When we can understand that we will never feel content – not needing more – until we stand face to face with our Savior, then we will understand Paul's contentment. It will not come wrapped in our desires or have the appearance of laughter through trial.
It will look like strength to bring us through a place that we were never meant to dwell in alongside evil. It will look like sufficiency to bring us home to Jesus.
Because of this, I know I will never truly be content. Not in this earthly body on this sin-filled planet. I know I will never be able to use the wonderful things God blesses me with each day to feel as if I am no longer in need. While things in this life can bring joy and can truly be good, they will never bring complete contentment.
How will you fill the areas of your life where you feel a desire not met? Will you turn to people, success or property? Or will you fill the voids with the only One who can give us strength until we are made whole before His throne?
Then will we prove completely and utterly content.
When we can understand that we will never feel content – not needing more – until we stand face to face with our Savior, then we will understand Paul's contentment. It will not come wrapped in our desires or have the appearance of laughter through trial.
It will look like strength to bring us through a place that we were never meant to dwell in alongside evil. It will look like sufficiency to bring us home to Jesus.
Because of this, I know I will never truly be content. Not in this earthly body on this sin-filled planet. I know I will never be able to use the wonderful things God blesses me with each day to feel as if I am no longer in need. While things in this life can bring joy and can truly be good, they will never bring complete contentment.
How will you fill the areas of your life where you feel a desire not met? Will you turn to people, success or property? Or will you fill the voids with the only One who can give us strength until we are made whole before His throne?
Then will we prove completely and utterly content.
