Driven but Content
Christians are called to be both driven and content. This is exemplified by Paul, particularly in the book of Philippians. Listen to how he explains the secret of contentment. In Philippians 4:11-12, Paul writes:
"...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need."
Paul has the peace of God because he is ruled by the God of peace. This means that no matter what circumstances he finds himself in, he is content. He knows everything comes from the hand of God and that God takes care of His children. Therefore, he is content.
Contentment means “satisfied; quiet; easy in mind; not complaining, opposing, or demanding more.” It is another way to describe the inner peace that comes when a Christian trusts God. However, this trust must be learned.
In these two verses, Paul repeats twice that he has learned this. Contentment is a subject that we all must study, and God is sure to throw routine remedial courses our way. I find this to be a great encouragement.
A discontented life is misery. Those who are discontented are never satisfied. Nothing lives up to their expectations—no sandwich, no movie, no investment, no relationship. Nothing. Nothing is good enough. It could always be better. They always want just a little more. Proverbs 30 says:
"The leech has two daughters,
‘Give,’ ‘Give.’
There are three things that will not be satisfied,
Four that will not say, ‘Enough’:
Sheol, and the barren womb,
Earth that is never satisfied with water,
And fire that never says, ‘Enough.’"
Do you want to be an unquenchable fire? A leech? Never able to say, "Enough!" That is no life. And, thankfully, it doesn’t have to be your life. You can be content. Paul learned it. So can you. So what is the secret?
In v. 13, He says, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Now, modern Christians might have you believe that this verse is about God granting you the special ability to win at sports or in business. But that isn’t what this means. It simply means that Christ, by His Word and Spirit, will strengthen you to face all the various circumstances of life in a way that is pleasing to God.
It doesn’t mean you’ll win the big game. It means that when you are, according to the world’s standard, losing at life, you’ll be able to face it with faith—unmoved and unseduced by the passing pleasures of this life.
It means that when there is an influx of money, you won’t see it as an opportunity to indulge in base desires but rather use it for kingdom work. No matter what the situation, Christ will strengthen you to do what God has called you to do in a way that is pleasing to Him.
This comes by having the mind of Christ, which we gain by studying His Word with the aid of the Holy Spirit. We begin to think about situations very differently. For example, consider this wonderful passage from Jeremiah Burroughs’ The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment:
"The difference between what a godly man has and a wicked man is this: A godly man is as a child in an inn. The innkeeper has his child in the house and provides his diet, lodging, and what is needful for him. But a stranger comes, and he has dinner and supper provided, and lodging, but the stranger must pay for everything.
It may be that the child’s meal is simple, and the stranger has a great feast, but there must come a reckoning for it."
The discontented may have more than you for a time, but at a great cost—both in this life and the life to come. As Proverbs 15:16 says: “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it.”
The Christian is content because this world, as it is now, isn’t their home. We are pilgrims on a journey, traveling through this world to the next. Along the way, we can be sure that “God will supply all [our] needs (not wants!) according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Now, let me back up just for a moment: "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity…"
Most of us are aware of what is called the "prosperity gospel." It basically teaches that faithful Christians will be rich in this life. They only need to name it and claim it. This is clearly false. I think most of you know that. However, there is another opposite error, which I would call "poverty theology." This, more or less, implies that you are somehow more holy if you’re broke and, conversely, that if you are well off, it’s because of some spiritual deficiency.
Both the prosperity gospel and poverty theology are misguided. Paul experienced both poverty and prosperity, yet he learned how to face both with faith. Both poverty and wealth come with their own challenges, but neither state is inherently immoral or moral.
Proverbs categorizes people into four groups:
Righteous poor: They aren’t poor due to a lack of effort but rather due to circumstances beyond their control, and they respond to their situation with faith.
Unrighteous poor: They are poor because of slothfulness, indulgence, or unbelief.
Righteous rich: They are wealthy because of diligence and wisdom, and they also face their circumstances with faith.
Unrighteous rich: They gain wealth through workaholism, dishonesty, or scheming.
An increase in wealth is particularly dangerous because money amplifies one's character. As 1 Timothy 6 warns:
"If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
Don't pursue riches; pursue productivity and generosity. If you focus on these, whatever you have—whether much or little—won't threaten your soul. Godliness with contentment is great gain.