Life Is All About Relationships

In Philippians 4:12-13 I read, “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.” (NIV)

Contentment does not come naturally. By nature, I’m like a restless sheep. Yet I can learn contentment. To learn contentment, I need to stop incessantly grabbing for more.

Philippians 4:12-13 says, “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” (NIV).

Like many people around the world, we get overwhelmed with the desire to acquire. This desire pushes us (me) to buy something I really can’t afford, like a mortgage that’s over my head. Then I can get overextended financially, and then I have to constantly hustle to make ends meet. Soon, I become emotionally and physically exhausted, and relationships start to deteriorate. 

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:6, “It is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind” (GNT).

The greatest things in life aren’t things. In America it’s considered a tragedy to “die penniless.”  However, nobody ever asks for things in the final moments of life. They always ask for people, because eventually everyone learns that life is all about relationships. So why not learn that sooner? It sure would relieve a lot of stress.

In this passage Paul teaches me that he was content because he could see life from God's point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person's life. True contentment will live in my perspective, priorities and source of power. The power I receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from my commitment to doing it. 

Contentment lies in my relationship with Jesus, who helps to shape my perspective, priorities, and my source of power.