The Encourager
“Content - by Ethan Tidwell”
Content
By Ethan Tidwell
There are times when we may be in need or have plenty of resources, in our physical state. Whatever it is we must be content.
A good example of those not willing to follow are the Israelites. They complained several times. They weren’t content. In Exodus 14 they complained to Moses, wanting rather to be in Egypt (vv.11-12). This also shows the faith they didn’t have.
In later chapters they would continue on with their murmuring and complaining about food and drink. They also wanted and worshipped false gods. They were never satisfied, not even showing gratitude to God who delivered them out of captivity. We see they were not content in these passages.
Paul says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Phil.4:11). What can we learn from Paul is that he says and has this attitude of being content while in prison. He kept his focus on doing God’s will (in whatever state he was in).
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have” (Heb.13:5a). There is nothing wrong with wanting more materialistic possessions or wanting a better job, career, etc., but if it comes to the point of taking God away from the top of our priorities and being covetous, then it is sinful. If we are in need, there’s no need to worry. “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb.13:5b). The Lord provides for our needs, and we as Christians don’t have to worry. Peter said, “Cast all you care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Peter 5:7).
Jesus in Matthew 6 speaks about worrying, that we shouldn’t worry. If the Father takes care of the birds of the air, He certainly takes care of His children, as we see this in (Matt.6:25-27).
We should be content in our physical state and need not worry for the things we need, for we are taken care of. However, when it comes to our spirituality, we should never be content, where are okay in our spiritual state; not ever desiring to grow more. Being stagnant.
This is not having zeal for the Lord if we are spiritually stagnant. There must be a time when we grow out of taking only the milk of the word. We must eventually take on solid food. Hebrews 5 talks about those that only take the milk are unskilled in the Word, solid food is taken by those who are wise also to discern both good and evil (Heb.5:12-14). To gain more knowledge and grow in the truth, we need to “Study to show thyself approved” (2Tim.2:15). I believe we can liken this to what Paul said in 1Cor. 13:11; “When I became a man, I put away childish things.” The childish things being only the milk of the Word and becoming a man taking on the solid food of the Word.
We must be content in our physical state, but spiritually we must yearn for more. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt.5:6).
