Game-changing Contentment

Ready:   

“For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content- whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Филип'ян 4:11-13  

Set:   

Contentment is a game-changer. Paul tells us in Scripture that he knows how to make do with a little and a lot. He’s speaking of materialistic things because of the nature of his ministry. Sometimes he’d have much, sometimes he’d have little, but he always made the best out of whatever he had. If he was free, enjoying life with other believers; he was content. If he was imprisoned, barely getting enough food to feed a wrestler trying to make weight, he learned to be content.

In the sport world, sometimes you’re given little and sometimes you’re given much. Maybe you’re an athlete and your coach only gives you a small amount of direction for your performance in the sport. What would Paul say to you? Take what you can from the little and make the absolute most out of it for the good of the team. Maybe you’re a coach who’s been given a team of little talent. Paul would encourage you to do the best you can and be content. Don’t look to other coaches and their teams; be thankful for what you’ve been given and work for the glory of the Lord and the good of your team to build them up.   

The only way we can confidently do this is through Jesus who gives us strength. Think about His life: He was raised in probably one of the poorest towns in the area. Some scholars say it didn’t even have a good water supply, just a very weak well in the center of the village. And yet how did Jesus handle it? He said, “But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water” (John 4:14). And again, in John 7:38, “the one who believes in me will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.”   

Jesus was given little in His upbringing, but He was content with it and turned it into much for so many others. Jesus was given much authority and majesty and yet emptied himself (Philippians 2:7) so that we each could share in His inheritance with the Father. This is who strengthens us to do “all things.”  

Go:   

1. What have you been given little/much of?  

2. How can you use them both for the Kingdom?  

Workout:  

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