It’s so
easy to want more than we need and to become more focused on getting than on
giving. Soon, our desires dictate our choices.
When the
apostle Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in the city of Philippi, he told
them, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be
content . . . . I have learned both to be full and to
be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Phil. 4:11-12). Paul was saying,
in effect, “I’ve had my ‘wanter’ fixed.” It’s important to note that Paul was
not born with contentment. He learned it in the difficult circumstances
of everyday life.
During
this season of the year, when shopping and buying often take center stage in so
many countries and cultures, why don’t we decide to focus on being satisfied in
our present circumstances? It may sound difficult, but Paul, when talking about
learning to be content said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me” (v.13).
Contentment
begins with having fewer wants. (RBC)