DEVOTION – DAY 345

Philippians 4:11-12 “Be Contented With What You Have”

Philippians 4:11-12 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret to be content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

The apostle Paul genuinely appreciated the gifts from his fellow Christians in the city of Philippi. As appreciative as he was, Paul had learnt not to become dependent on the gifts of others. He had learnt to be contented with what he had at his disposal, as he saw it as God’s gracious provision for him. God had always given him what he needed. This was the secret of his contentment. It was being satisfied with what he had in full knowledge that what he had, was what he needed – and God is never wrong. He knew that he would never lack for anything when he was walking closely with God.

We contrast this biblical teaching with what we see today amongst many people. Many people are discontented. They desire to have more because they live in a consumer society that tells them they deserve the best, and that they should not settle for anything less. Thus, people want the latest smartphone, the latest smartwatch. They want to catch the latest trends, eat at places much promoted on social media. They are never satisfied with what they have.

Rodrigo Alves was not satisfied with the way he looked. He looked too effeminate and was bullied in school. Thus, he subjected himself to being injected with a gel to look more muscular until he temporarily lost sensation in his arms. He also lost his sense of smell after cosmetic surgery on his nose. He was obsessive about his looks. In the last few years, he felt that he was a woman trapped in a man’s body. He underwent multiple surgeries to transition into a woman. He now goes by the name Jessica Alves. He has since become a well-known transgender television presenter on British and Brazilian TV. He is an extreme example of someone who is not satisfied with the looks that God had given him through birth. He sought to change the way he looked , and his sex, through surgery. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, please help us to always remain content in every situation because You are all we need. Please help us to learn to count our many blessings and never take them for granted. We humbly pray in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What are some things that you would like to have, or more of? Why?
  2. Are these things what you need, or are they things that you want? Do you know the difference between wanting things and needing things? Discuss.
  3. How have learning to be content with what God has given you freed you for always wanting more? Share.
  4. Why is always wanting something more, or something else, destructive for us in the end?