“…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” One of Paul’s main reasons for writing his friends at Philippi was to express his thanks for their support. But he left this until the end of the letter, for there was something that took precedent over his physical comfort, and that was their spiritual well-being. But, having addressed this, in closing, he now expresses his gratitude for their gift.
But this created a two-fold problem. How does he accomplish this and still let them know his dependence is on God and not their gift, without, at the same time, seeming to be ungrateful. And secondly, how does he thank them without sounding as though he is requesting another gift? As one has said, his answer came “in blending delicacy with dignity and pleasantry.”
The solution to his dilemma was to be found in one word: contentment. He wanted his friends to know that whether it is rags or riches, penury or prosperity, he was content, under all circumstances. Therefore, he did not take the one as a curse and the other as a blessing. They were both alike to him. For, whichever, he knew it came from the hand of the Lord. Paul’s contentment was Christ Himself.
This is a difficult lesson for us to learn. It’s a hard subject to grasp. It takes long tutelage in the school of life. But, once we do comprehend it, to have or have not is no longer a concern. For we will have found the all-sufficiency of Christ.
Only in Christ will you find a calm confidence in all circumstances.
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