Content with the Content!
This week I was praying for a friend concerning contentment. As I prayed for them, based on Phil 4:12, I felt led to google the definition of content and was reminded that it has multiple meanings...the primary definition of the noun "content "was "something contained, as in a receptacle." (like the contents of a drawer) #2 was the chapters in a book. I particularly liked #7 "power of containing; holding capacity: The bowl's content is three quarts."
As I read all these definitions I came to see more clearly that the adjective "content" is simply a matter of acknowledging that the contents of your life are what they are. No more, no less.
(adj definition: "happy enough with what one has or is; not desiring something more or different; satisfied")
I don't think this means you must be apathetic toward your circumstances or relationships, or that you shouldn't pray and work to make better a bad situation... contentment to me means that if nothing changes you trust God, you praise God, right where you are- knowing and trusting in His great love for you. He knows the longing of your heart; He knows your needs; He hasn't left you. For His children, His purpose is to use every circumstance to mold and make us more into the image of His Son. So, keep giving God the glory, no matter what the content.
In Paul's letters, he advises us to be content in our situation, however, he also advises us to PURSUE Righteousness and Godliness. Paul challenges us to live Holy Lives that are Pleasing to God. Never be content with where you are spiritually- strive to become more Christlike, understanding and applying God's will and ways, always ready to serve Him, always examining yourself as you read His Word.
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