Being Content with Less
Rikki Permenter, MAMFC, Th. M.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether all fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
Oh, Paul, he is my favorite. He writes to the church at Philippi and explains how he is content with what he has. Can you honestly say you are content with what you have? January is always an interesting time of the year. The holidays, are past us and usually, we’re trying to make space in our house to find homes for the gifts we have received. I don’t know about you but getting gifts usually creates an “If you give a mouse a cookie” situation at my house. If you haven’t read this children’s book, the premise is if you give a mouse a cookie, he will need some milk, and a napkin, and glass for the milk, and a plate… the list goes on and on.
If I'm honest I’m just like that mouse in that book - if you give Rikki a shirt, she will need new pants to go with it, and a necklace, and flats, and probably new make-up and hair products - and to build out my closet with storage, so it all fits… the list will go on and on. I’ll ask again, can you honestly say you’re content with what you have? Or do you have a running list of needs (really wants) that drive you to work harder to get money to get things? Paul writes about being content in every circumstance. He writes about living in plenty and living in want - he knows and has experience both. He seems to have found the secret.
The secret Paul found is being contented where God has placed him with the resources he had given him. The secret is having his focus so firmly on Christ that the “stuff” doesn’t matter anymore. Do you have shelter, food, clothing? Good. That is all you need. If you give a mouse a cookie - the mouse needs to thank the giver for the cookie, he doesn’t need anything else. This thankfulness leads to contentment. Where are you just like that mouse? Where do you need to shift your focus from wanting the next thing to be thankful for what God has already given you?
This article can be found in print in the monthly Baptist Association of Southeast Louisiana newsletter.
