“For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, there to be content.” Philippians 4:11

“Why are we so unhappy?” asked Forbes Magazine in the 75th Anniversary edition. Sensing the richest culture in history is inhabited by unhappy people, Forbes editors asked some of the world’s business leaders to address this topic. The almost unanimous answer was that we lacked a spiritual center and focus in America.

The Apostle Paul addressed this same moral and spiritual issue nearly two thousand years ago concluding that the need was contentment.

A personal testimony about contentment -- “I have learned to be Content”

Paul was in a Roman prison for preaching the Gospel when he wrote Philippians. His testimony of God’s grace and sufficiency was, “I am content.”

Contentment is not laziness or lack of ambition. Paul was a diligent laborer with a strong personality and a driven work ethic and goals. He said, “I press for the prize.” (Philippians 3:14) He was brilliant in academic achievement and missionary strategy. At this time, he was in a prison cell chained to a Roman soldier, but he was content. How?

Paul had received the gift of salvation and had surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He was like Jonathan Edwards who said, “I am in no sense my own . . . I have given myself clean away.” He was content because he belonged to Jesus.

As with Paul, God eventually will place you in a box where you cannot change your circumstances. You can complain to God, you can criticize people, or you can decide to accept the will of God and be content. Then God will use you, even in your box.

God used Paul to win many Roman soldiers to faith in Jesus Christ in that dingy prison cell. Paul’s contentment became a garden of spiritual fruitfulness.

We have all suffered from the “If only” syndrome. “If only I had more finances, I would be satisfied.” “If only I had a different job, I would feel fulfillment.” If only I had married someone else, or better yet remained single, I would be happy today.” “If only I could move away from these pressures and stress, I would be easier to live with at home.” Have you ever said, “if only?” The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence, but it isn’t.’

Are you fighting the circumstances of life, job, marriage or limitations which God has imposed upon you? God’s message to you today is, “If Jesus is your Saviour, be content in Him.” When you finally accept God’s gift of contentment your life will begin to take wings.

Paul’s personal testimony of commitment was, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9