“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” ― Socrates
Socrates was one of the most respected philosophers of the ancient world, and yet there is something about his statement which creates two very different reactions within us. To a certain degree we recognize the truth of his statement, but on the other hand, there is the feeling, “No, he’s wrong. If I had all the things I wanted, I’d be happy. No doubt about it!” Maybe the latter reaction is even stronger today knowing that Black Friday is next week!
Despite our society being the wealthiest in the history of the world, contentment is often difficult to encounter. So, we are left with the contradiction that our personal experience demonstrates more stuff does not equal more contentment and happiness, while our gut feeling tells us the exact opposite.
This weekend we’ll be studying the last chapter of the apostle Paul’s letter which he wrote 2000 years ago to a small group of Christians in the Greek city of Philippi. Paul was in prison at the time he wrote this letter. More likely than not he was hungry. There is a good chance he was sick with some kind of disease and certainly he was absolutely filthy. Yet, in his closing paragraphs he makes the incredible statement,
Philippians 4:12 “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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
How does someone develop that kind of attitude under those kinds of conditions? Paul would have been quick to answer, “Jesus Christ.” If contentment is an elusive commodity in your life but you are sick of the never-ending grab for stuff, join us for our Sunday morning worship service. Begin to discover joyful contentment.
Sunday morning worship: 10:00 am