Introduction
We are living in a Culture of Discontent.
As a society, we never seem to be able to find true contentment no matter how hard we try. We are constantly looking for upgrades in our possessions or our relationship.
We are discontent in most areas of our lives whether it is our jobs, our marriages, our family, our homes, our possessions, or our circumstances. So we try harder and this vicious cycle continues.
Discontent is dangerous.
Jesus told us that the root of the problem is in our heart because our heart drives the focus of our whole being. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:34
How do we find contentment in a world of discontent?
Paul addresses the biggest challenge in finding contentment in two areas in our life – in the pursuit of “stuff” and status and when things are not going well in our lives.
Paul viewed all his previous gains (power, prestige, status, education) as losses now, because he has gained Christ. (Philippians 3:7-8)
Contentment is never an intensity problem but a directional problem.
We are all capable of pursuing whatever we love or enjoy. But it is the direction of our pursuit that is the main issue.
True contentment is found when we re-direct our relentless pursuit towards Christ.
Paul learned how to be content regardless of his circumstances, no matter how dire they are. It is a process, something that he learned from keeping his focus on Christ and walking with Jesus each day. (Philippians 4:11-12)
Paul’s secret in finding and sustaining true contentment is not from his own will power, but from drawing on the strength of Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
To Do
We can choose to be like Paul and relentlessly pursue Christ – because we see Christ as the ultimate gain in our lives, and everything else as loss.
Or we can go back to your daily life and keep looking for those things that will never give us the contentment that we seek every day and we will keep looking.
How would you choose?
Finding contentment in Christ is contagious. Instead of allowing the plague to spread, allow the strength of Christ to spread among us.
Summary
-Finding contentment in Christ is the greatest investment choice you would ever make.
-You will take a loss in all those things that you don’t need and you will gain the only thing that you ever gonna need in Jesus Christ. And you will find contentment in every circumstances.
