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 well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. – Philippians 4:12

Today's Scripture Reading (April 15, 2021): Philippians 4

Socrates taught that "he who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have." It is a truth that has both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, not being content keeps us driving for next steps. Life, like biology, is all about growth and what comes next. If we stop anywhere on the journey, we begin the slow march toward death. We need something that keeps us moving forward.

But the reality of contentment is that we have to be content on that journey. If we start to think that the only way we can be happy is to achieve that next level, we will never be satisfied. That is the real secret of life. It is about being content with the journey that we are on and not the level that we are currently experiencing. We need to find happiness and contentment wherever life takes us, yet still be willing to drive on toward wherever the next steps might take us on this journey. Being content, and yet not content.

And that is really what Paul's argument. He is discontented with many things in his life. He doesn't want to stay where he is. He wants the churches' sin to be eliminated, and he desires to see the divisions healed. It is the reason why he writes his letters and visits the churches. And right now, he wants to be with the Philippians. But his discontentment is always based on aspirations and advancement of the moral law, not on things and situations. Both Paul and Socrates agree, as far as things and situations, they are content wherever they find themselves and with whatever they possess.

For Paul, he is under arrest, and his situation is bleak as he awaits trial. But he is content with where he is and what he has. He knows the truth of Socrates's words; if you are not content with where you are and what you have, you will never be content.

We often reverse the process. As far as morality or the spiritual health of the Christian church is concerned, we are content. After all, we do our best, and we are only human. Why should we press on to be better? But as far as things and situations, we never seem to be content. There is always something in our lives that we wish was different, ways that we think we would be better if we only made more money, lived in a nicer place, or had other friends. And we have experienced the result. Regardless of what it is that we have, we always want more. And we are never content in the exact places that Paul argues that he is.  

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Colossians 1