MAY 15 – CONTENT

I am not telling you that I need anything; because I have learned, whatever the Lord provides for me or whatever I lack, to be content (Philippians 4:11)

                   Are you content – right this moment? Or, do you want more – something you don’t have? What is your most prized possession? Could you be content if it were destroyed or otherwise taken away? Could you give it to someone else if the Lord asked you to do that? ….. And, still be content?

                   As he thanks the church at Philippi for sending gifts to him, Paul explains that the excitement he felt when he received the gift, the true gift from his perspective, was their growth. He was far more grateful that they responded to the need with love than he was to receive the gift. So, he is careful to explain. All he needs is Jesus. To lose everything else can be accepted. Whether freedom, possessions, people, or his life, he would be content. God, who is Paul’s provision for everything he truly needs, is enough for Paul.

                   Let your people know today that all you need is Jesus. Be sure they know that’s what you want to form them. Help them understand that following Jesus is always the best thing they can do for themselves – and to please you.