Scripture
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”
PHILIPPIANS 4:11
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
1 TIMOTHY 6:6-10
Context
I’ve gone to Chili’s many times in my life. Normal Tuesday night? Chili’s. After one of my bike races? Chili’s. College buddies are in town and we want to grab a meal? Chili’s. After I went ring shopping with my wife? Chili’s. Life rule – There is no bad time for Chili’s.
And in my time at the establishment, after much first-hand research and due diligence, I have determined something without a doubt in my mind… There is actually no real reason to dislike Chili’s.
Great food. 2 for $25 if you’re with someone. 3 for me if you’re riding solo. Games on. Good service. Affordable. A wide variety of cuisine. Booth seating. Indoor/Outdoor seating often times. Low wait time. Just to name a few examples off the dome. And yet? Any time I suggest Chili’s for dinner with friends? Cast aside! “Why would we go to Chili’s?”, “Could we go somewhere with a little better atmosphere??”
Foolishness!
Application
If you’re still reading this and haven’t given up on today’s devotion, thank you…
The above example is intentionally silly, of course. And I hope you’re not bothered equating a passage on contentment to something so trivial. In any case, what is the lesson to take away here…
All of us have a longing to feel special, taken care of and acknowledged. Set apart and unique. We want others to value our hard work. We want people to remember us and come to their mind. We want preferential treatment. We want to go places that are envied. Live lives that are envied. And we want all of those things in order to reinforce a longing inside of ourselves…
Christians have to fight these feelings just like the rest of the world. But yet, we are called to, in the face of not getting special attention… Be content. In the face of not living the lifestyle we may envy… Be content. In the face of everything not revolving around us (as it doesn’t)… Be content.
The passage in 1 Timothy above tells us the GODLINESS + CONTENTMENT = GREAT GAIN. “Great gain.” What that sounds like to me is this…
A heart capable of contentment is far more valuable and rare than any material item or desired lifestyle.
Rare travels and enviable lifestyle may be rare and hold great value to people… But a content heart holds a “greater gain.”
“Whatever circumstances I am in…”
A few quick points on how that is possible:
- Our treasures are stored in heaven – God values different things than human nature does. The more you walk with God, the less you need the things that human nature “needs”
- Life is not about us and our individual fulfillment – It’s not about if people make us feel special and seen at a given moment. It is about God and His glory.
- Christians have nothing to prove – We’ve been given a gift of grace. Went from enemies of God to friends and even adopted children. Why ask for more when you’ve been given so much?
Something to Chew On:
- Do you ever find yourself heaping expectations onto others to make yourself feel fulfilled/get what you want? If so, and really think about that… Would you ask God to reveal that and turn from selfishness?
- What specific moments recently in your life has your attitude soured? Was it because you felt you should have been treated better? Deserved more? What change needs to happen in your heart to prevent that next time?
- Do you have an easily bruised ego? If so, reflect, what is the heart cause to that?
- What is something in your life that you delight in and are glad it is part of your life? Hold onto that and thank God for it.
- Do you shoot down Chili’s as an option for a dinner spot with friends?
Great Value Proverb:
A heart capable of contentment is far more valuable and rare than any material item or desired lifestyle. In other words…
People don’t dislike Chili’s… That is impossible. They dislike how they feel about themselves at Chili’s.