I recently cleaned out my closet. Let me just say, it was a task! I sorted through old shoes and clothing that I remember being so excited to purchase, but now look worn and outdated. Maybe you can relate. That is the nature of our possessions, isn’t it? The things we are convinced we need will wear out, be used up, and even break down. The things we thought would bring us joy and contentment now leave us empty as we add them to our “donate” piles. The reality is, we were never meant to find purpose, satisfaction, and meaning from our possessions. True fulfillment can be found in being fully devoted followers of Christ, committed to knowing Christ and making Him known everywhere we go.
King Solomon learned that meaning and purpose cannot be found in our possessions. As he described his search for meaning, he wrote in Ecclesiastes 2 that he looked for satisfaction in his possessions. As the king, he had access to whatever he wanted, and he took advantage of that privilege. He wrote, “Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure” (verse 9). Solomon literally took for himself whatever possessions he wanted. Now, most people would expect that someone in his situation would be totally content and satisfied. We, however, know that our possessions cannot fill the void that only Christ can fill. This is exactly what Solomon found. He declared as he considered his quest to find meaning in his possessions, “As I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere” (verse 11). Solomon achieved the pursuit of any passion that he wanted, and he still found himself empty and “chasing the wind,” an impossible feat.
If our possessions will not satisfy us, we have to ask ourselves, where do we turn to for satisfaction? Of course, we know that Christ alone brings satisfaction. This was something that the apostle Paul knew well. You see, Paul was in the complete opposite position of Solomon when he wrote the book of Philippians. He found himself in prison for spreading the name of Jesus. He relied on people to help support him. He did not have many physical possessions. Even still, he was completely content. He wrote about his contentment in Philippians 4. He told his original readers that he had “learned how to be content” (verse 11). He explained, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation…whether with plenty or little” (verses 11-12). Now, this statement from Paul should grab everyone's attention! What is the secret to being content? How could Paul be content regardless of the situation he was in, even when he was in prison? He gave us the answer next, in a verse familiar to many: “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (verse 13). What was Paul’s secret to contentment? His secret to contentment was Christ. He had Christ, so he had everything he needed, regardless of his circumstances.
Paul’s example of contentment serves as a remarkable example for us to follow. We, too, can be content regardless of the circumstances we are in. This is because contentment cannot be found in our possessions. Contentment can be found in Christ alone, who always takes care of us. Will you look to Him for contentment today?
Write out Philippians 4:13 three times on a piece of paper or your journal. Focus on the words and the message of this verse as you write these well-known words from the apostle Paul. Keep reflecting on the message of these words throughout your day, knowing that because you have Christ, you can be content in any situation that you face.
“God, as I set out to look to you alone for content and not my possessions, help me…”
1Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
21 Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. 22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
