When I was a child, I remember the hard cheddar cheese that the government would provide us. I remember instant dinners. I remember working at the deli for two dollars on Saturdays. We played baseball with a rubber ball and a stick. We played by the fire hydrant. We ate every day. We had a roof over our heads. Simply put, I was content. I didn’t know that we were considered “poor.” I only found that out later from the media and TV. Society thrusts upon us belief systems that cause stress, disappointment and false expectations. The Apostle Paul had learned that in the midst of his ministry journey. He learned how not to allow “societal expectations” to disturb or disquiet him. He knew that these expectations were misleading and disappointing. Many of people’s problems today are actually due to worry about what other people think about them. Most go into debt just to impress others and in the process, get stressed out because of the debt. Paul reminds us today that if we get back to being content with what we have, and grateful that our real needs are met, stress and worry will melt away and you’ll realize that you are already wealthy with what is really important such as faith, family, friends, peace and joy. Every day is a gift. Appreciate it! Don’t take it for granted!
Phillipians (AMPC) 4:11 “Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.”
