On Being Content

The Rev. Dr. Debbie Carl Freeman

Philippians 4:10-20

“Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have” (Philippians 4:11).

Paul is thanking his readers for their care and concern for him. But verse 11 speaks volumes in our age of not only economic downturn but also of discontent and dissatisfaction with everything in life. What does it mean to be content with whatever I have?

Most of us have heard encouraging words about being content in times of trouble or of trusting in God’s will and wisdom in our lives. But how many of us have been encouraged to be content when we already have plenty? How many of us seek more? More food, more wealth, more happiness, more time…? How many of us are looking for something better? Better deals, better cars, better diets, better worship…?

How much easier it is for us to be content when we have little. There are fewer distractions, less clutter, and though perhaps a more difficult time making ends meet, an opportunity to trust God’s providence fully. How difficult it is to let go or even to be content when we have so much. We are bombarded with messages that we need more. And yet Paul’s message in verse 11 is as much about having more than we need as it is about having little, he says, “Not that I am referring to being in need; I have learned to be content with whatever I have.” Paul is encouraging Christians to trust that God will provide; that God will be a source of strength in times of plenty and joy as well as in times of want and sorrow. What a tremendous message for us to hear as we move through the season of Lent.

Prayer: Provident God, may I trust in your care for my life today, tomorrow and the next day. May I learn to be content with whatever I have, not just in times of need but especially in times of plenty. Through Jesus Christ I offer this prayer and my life. Amen.

Debbie Freeman is the interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, Arkansas. She has previously served congregations in Arkansas, Virginia, and Scotland. In March she will run her first half-marathon. She is also my wife.

Are Any Cheerful?

James 5:13-18

James puts it this way: “Are any [among you] cheerful? They should sing songs of praise” (James 5:13). I’ll admit that it’s not always easy, but one of the greatest gifts we can offer to the world is a cheerful disposition. Not a false, “smarmy” happiness, but a genuine sense of joy. If we can convey that message, if we can project that image, then we can lift the spirits of others and cure many ills.

But James is really telling us more than “be of good cheer.” He is also telling us to direct our joy toward God with songs of praise. It is not enough to be content. We should offer thanks for our contentedness. It is not enough to be well. We should offer thanks for our wellbeing. It is not enough to be in a good mood. We should offer thanks to God who is the ultimate source of our joy. Realizing where our joy originates helps us also to recognize that it is God “from whom all blessings flow,” that God alone can give us the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Offering praise to God in times of joy can also keep us focused on the world and those in need, those who could use our cheerfulness and our encouragement as they go about their lives. I won’t pretend that I am always happy, but I will tell you that when I am, and when I accept that happiness as a gift from God, I am able to do so much more for others.

Prayer: Lord, grant us cheerfulness that we may praise you all the days of our lives. Amen.

Whatever… (Wednesday of Holy Week)

Philippians 4:1-13

This may sound odd, but I’m coming to the opinion that belief in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior is not enough. Faith must MEAN something, must LEAD to something, must AMOUNT to something. I may have membership in a fitness club, but unless I actually show up and exercise it will do me no good. So the question is Where does my faith in Jesus Christ take me? Paul has some helpful words on the subject.

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). Paul is speaking as a Christian, but obviously he believes there is more to it that saying lofty things about Jesus. Faith should lead us to truth, to honor, to justice, to purity, to that which does not displease others, that which is commendable, excellent, or worthy of praise. Frankly, focusing on any one of those is likely to take up my whole day, let alone striving for them all. But if my faith in Jesus does not challenge me then I am not paying attention.

At the half-way point of Holy Week it seems appropriate to pause and reflect on the events we are about to commemorate. Jesus offered his life for the sake of the world. If we are willing to put our faith in him, it should make some difference in who we are. If not we may as well believe in “whatever.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to use our faith as a guide to our living. In Jesus’ name. Amen.