The church is all about people and people are the most interesting things on this earth. And as 1 Corinthians 6:11 says, “Such were some of you, but you were washed , sanctified and justified” These are the people whom God called to belong to His forever family, the church.
Sometimes I wonder why God created people, when we can be such a headache. I see the horrors in the headlines. What were you thinking God? And then I see spectacular artistry, or hear beautiful, arresting music. I see Olympic athletes. Literature. Technology.
Yesterday at our men’s meeting we had a spontaneous men’s brotherhood boost session. Where some of us took a few minutes to express our appreciation for the uniqueness of the various effects of one another.
And this morning, to kick off our series, I want to elaborate on something I shared during this time yesterday.
Today’s message is titled “Being Content But Not Satisfied”
Our text is Philippians 4:12-13
“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” (Philippians 4:12).
This secret is revealed in the very next verse: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)
Paul’s secret was not a method, a formula, a mindset, or a discipline. It stemmed from a relationship that alleviated the constant cravings for more by providing a fullness of soul that transcended circumstances. This fullness doesn’t come from acquiring more, but from knowing the living Christ Himself. The strength that Christ provides is not a supernatural zapping from above, but an ever-deepening connection with Him.
May God bless us all today with a fresh realization of this wonderful secret.
Contentment is a treasure. “More” is a treadmill. More in the sense of worldly remedies: money, fame, accomplishments.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). My aspirations for myself and for you before the Lord are high. But any aspiration, even godly ones without contentment can become a snare.
1. Be content but not satisfied with your walk with the Lord.
When I hear you all talk about where you want to be with the Lord, where you want to go, it just fills my heart with joy. Can you imagine what it does to the heart of the Lord?
Appreciate the hunger and don’t be frustrated by your appetite. Content yourself with where you are in your relationship with Christ by rejoicing with thanksgiving for giving you this hunger and the desire for more. Give Him thanks for the hunger even as you aspire to know Him even better.
Be content where you are but don’t be satisfied. Know that there is more and hope in God to provide it.
Be content with progress, don’t hold out for perfection or you will be waiting until Jesus comes back to feel good about your spiritual place in Him.
Ask God for a holy greediness for more of Him.
Spiritual thoughts from an older man…
I was once young and now I am an older man who finds himself caught up in first-love affection and attraction towards the Lord. Not due to the newness of our relationship or any merit on my part, but because of the many years of His steadfast love and kindness towards me through shared life experiences, ranging from the heavenly heights of happiness to the utter depths of despair. And I know I am not unique in this experience. Countless songs, meditations, poems, testimonials and sermons, written by men and women throughout the centuries attest to the unsearchable riches of His grace towards us in Christ Jesus. Grace that is worthy to be celebrated and proclaimed to the whole world. Grace that I rejoice in and proclaim today.
God’s Therapeutic Work
LaVern said, “When I think about how the Lord is working in us and releasing the person we were meant to be, I think He’s doing therapy with us all the time. But a therapist primarily works with our minds; the Lord provides therapy to our hearts.”
“A therapist tries to learn who we are through conversation, but the Lord knows exactly who we are without a word coming from our lips. He doesn’t ask questions to discover us; He asks questions to enlighten us. To Elijah, “What are you doing here?” To Adam, “Where are you?” To Job, “Where were you when…?” To Jonah, “Do you have good reason to be mad?” To His disciples, “What were you discussing?”
The point! He knows what we need to see, what we need to hear, what we need to experience to get us to where He wants us to be.
Be content where You are and trust “The Secret” the living Christ to take you beyond.
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