Contentment in every circumstance

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."--Philippians 4:11.   Here Paul speaks of the fact that while he is thankful for the concern the church at Philippi has for him, even without it he is able to be content in any and all circumstances. This passage falls in the same context of Philippians 4:13 (Scroll over to read).  Christ is the reason we need to be content but the question is what is contentment and what does it mean "to be content in whatever circumstances I am"?

Contentment.  Contentment is sometimes equated with satisfaction.  However, to be content does not necessarily mean to be satisfied with where we are in life.  It definitely does not mean to be satisfied with where we are in our walk with God.If we become satisfied with our walk with God, that can lead to indifference. To be content means to make the best of our station in life.  God has brought us to where we are for a reason.  Admittedly, we may not always understand why we are in the circumstances we sometimes find ourselves in but God expects us to turn every circumstance into opportunity.  No matter where we are at in our lives and in our walk with God, we need to make the most of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

So what does contentment mean? It means to turn every circumstance into opportunity.  Contentment is instead of complaining about circumstances, its using those circumstances as opportunities to bring others closer to Christ.  It's also using circumstances to improve our relationship not only with Christ but with those around us.  Contentment is realizing that Christ has brought you to a certain point in your life for a reason.  Ultimately, contentment is realizing that Christ will pull you through whatever you circumstances you find yourself in.  So as we go through our day today, while we strive for more, let us turn our present circumstances into opportunities and learn to be content no matter where we are.