Contentment

What it means

Paul says he has learned to be content in whatever state he is in, knowing how to be humbled and how to abound, how to be filled and how to be hungry. He is writing from prison, and he calls it something he learned.

Why every Christian should know it

It refuses two easy answers: that contentment comes from having enough, and that some people are simply born calm. Paul was taught it in hard places.

Cross references

• Philippians 4:13
• 1 Timothy 6:6-8
• Hebrews 13:5

Pray it back

Lord, teach me contentment the way you taught Paul, in the state I am actually in.

What it means

Godliness with contentment is great gain, since we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out, so with food and clothing we will be content. Paul argues from birth and death, the two moments that settle what possessions are worth.

Why every Christian should know it

It gives you a reason for contentment rather than a command to feel it, and the reason holds on your best day and your worst.

Cross references

• Job 1:21
• Ecclesiastes 5:15
• Matthew 6:31-33

Pray it back

Father, I came with nothing and will leave with nothing. Let godliness be my gain.

What it means

Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for God has said he will never leave you nor forsake you. The cure for craving offered here is not discipline but a promise of God's presence.

Why every Christian should know it

It joins contentment to companionship. What you have may be little; who you have is not.

Cross references

• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Joshua 1:5
• Matthew 6:24

Pray it back

Lord, you will not leave me. Let that be enough when I want more than I need.