Contentment Isn't Just for Hard Times: What Philippians 4 Really Teaches

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This is one of the most commonly quoted verses in the Bible.

Struggling to lay off the sugar? You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Afraid of failing your algebra test? You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Trying to learn to crochet? You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

But is that really what the Apostle Paul is talking about? That we can conquer anything because God’s on our side? Let’s take a look at the full context of this verse.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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 of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:10-13

When Paul says that he can do all things through Christ, he is talking about something much more specific. He is referring to being “content whatever the circumstance.” (verse 11) He is not referring to algebra or healthy eating or crocheting; he is talking about learning a very specific skill: contentment.

Contentment Has to be Learned

The first thing we see in this verse is that contentment has to be learned. It is not something that we are naturally born with, but rather a practice that must be developed. The fact that it must be developed means that it takes time and intentional effort. 

Merriam-Webster defines contentment as “the quality or state of… feeling or showing satisfaction with one’s possessions, status, or situation.” Learning contentment is a matter of training your feelings and developing satisfaction.

In Bad Times

Usually, when contentment is discussed, it is in the context of scarcity. This is the “hungry” and “in want” that the Apostle Paul mentions. When your life is lacking, you need to be content despite your limitations. Contentment is what makes up the gap between what you have and what you think you need. Contentment is important in times of need because it is a sign that you’ve placed your trust in God and not in your circumstances. 

And in Good Times

But contentment isn’t only important in times of need. It’s just as important in times of abundance. It’s common to think that once you have more, it will be easy to find contentment. However, success often breeds greed. Having a lot can just make you hunger for more. When King David was at his lowest, he “found strength in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6) But it was when he was at his most successful, living in abundance, that he began to covet more and fell into sin with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11)

In psychology, this is called Hedonic Adaptation. It is the idea that once we achieve something, we consider it the new baseline and strive for more. Once we’ve achieved the “more,” that becomes our new normal, and we need even more. It is depicted as a treadmill where we are always running and striving but never satiate our desires. 

Once we have had a taste of abundance, it whets our appetite and stirs our desire for more. We must learn to be content and keep our trust in God even when things are going well. Or should I say, especially when things are going well?

How Can You Learn Contentment?

Clearly, contentment is an important quality to develop, whether we have a little or a lot. But how do you actually do that?

The first place to start is with God. Seek Him daily, seek His will, and ask Him to help you develop contentment. Ask Him to help you see the world and others through His eyes and make a disciplined practice of trying to do just that. Strive to adopt God’s perspective and purpose for your life, and harness His strength and power to persevere in doing so. 

Practice gratitude. Focusing on the positive and what you have takes your eyes off of anything you may be missing. It is hard to be discontent and grateful at the same time. A simple exercise of thanking God daily for at least one thing in your life could help you start.

Reflect on your experience. How have you felt when you gained more? Did that feeling last? Has accumulation led to happiness in your experience? If more stuff hasn’t led to fulfillment, then what has?

Finally, guard your mind and your heart (Proverbs 4:23). Be vigilant about what you expose yourself to. What triggers discontentment in your life? Is it social media, talking to a specific person, or listening to certain podcasts? Uncover your triggers and practice self-control in minimizing them. 

As the Apostle Paul did, learn to be content. This isn’t just for people in tough situations. Just because you have plenty doesn’t mean you’re off the hook or safe. That false sense of confidence can be very dangerous. But don’t be intimidated. Like Paul, you can do all this through him who gives you strength.

If you’re looking for a Christian financial advisor to help you navigate your stewardship journey, our advisors here at Christian Financial Advisors Network are here to help!

Subscribe to get our content delivered straight to your inbox!