A Letter in LockdownSample

 A SECRET WORTH SHARING

Can you keep a secret? I was never any good at it, so when someone asked me this question, I would just say no. Paul gives us a secret here, one well worth sharing. He says, “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. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

Being content in the western world is a challenge. Once we get a taste of something gratifying, we just want more! Paul has been beaten up, regularly mocked, continually insulted, unjustifiably locked up on more than one occasion, yet he has learned this secret called contentment. He is content with eating gaol food, if any at all! How is this so? The key is in the latter part of this verse, ‘I can do all things through Him’ - Him being Jesus. 

Rather than seeking the latest Netflix series, the hottest pair of kicks out, or the trendiest threads on the market, why not stop and thank God for what you already have. As you do so, you will quickly become content with what you have. The truth is that we are owners of nothing but stewards of everything God has given us, and therefore we can be content with all he has given us. Thankfulness leads us to a place of contentment. 

The Bible teaches us that greed ruins households and stirs up conflict, hence why Jesus taught us to be on our guard against all kinds of greed (Proverbs 28:25, 15:27, Luke 12:15). Without Him, we can become greedy and catch a sense of entitlement. Someone once said that gratitude is the antidote to entitlement, an antidote we all need a taste of. 

Challenge:

Write down ten things you’re grateful for. Ask God to help you be content with what you have rather than seek what you have not. 

Prayer:

Jesus, today I chose to be content with everything you’ve given me. I thank you that I have more than enough and that you promise to meet my needs. Please forgive me for the areas where I haven’t felt content. Help me to practice gratitude during my day today.