How to Have a Satisfying Life
What is the secret of a satisfying life? Paul gives three answers in Philippians 4:10-13 – “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
We are blessed more in this age, this country, than people have been at any time or place. In spite of COVID, world problems, personal problems, etc., we continue to be greatly blessed. In spite of our great and continuing blessings, many people are not content with their lives. Several years ago, a survey of Harvard graduates revealed that the majority were not content. Graduating from a prestigious university and having good incomes and lifestyles did not insure contentment.
While we should never be spiritually content in our walk with God – always pressing on to be more like Jesus – we should be able to achieve the contentment in our lives that God promises. Paul reveals three things that will help us find that satisfying life:
First, we must avoid comparisons – Verse 11 – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” These words were not written by a man at ease in a palace, but by a man in jail! We tend to compare what we have, our circumstances, to others. The result of those comparisons produces discontentment and unhappiness. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” 2 Corinthians 10:12.
There will always be those with more money, better looks, more opportunities, fewer problems (or so it seems to us) than we have. More advice from Paul: “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” 2 Corinthians 4:18. Paul had learned to focus – not just on things around him – but above and beyond to eternal things!
Suppose that all you had were taken – family, home, friends, possessions – then you would say: “If only I could have them back, I’d be so happy and never complain again.” Remember these words from the apostle: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8.
Second, Paul had developed the ability to adjust to changes in his life. Notice that he can say: “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” Philippians 4:12. We won’t hit a home run every time we are up to bat – we’ll often strike out! Paul is now an aged man in prison and many friends cannot visit him. His circumstances are far from what any person would want, yet he is content. Someone has said that there are three kinds of circumstances: 1) things we can and do control, 2) things we can and don’t control, and 3) things we cannot control. Some people control their circumstances; others do not even control what they can. Many of the circumstances of our lives are beyond our control. We do not choose our parents, the time of our birth, or the circumstances of our early life. Within reason, we can control what we eat and what we choose to weigh. We can control whether we choose to read and study the Bible, come to worship services, obey God, and live faithful lives. We cannot control the aging process and when the world will end. We must determine, as Paul did, to adjust to the changes in our life (circumstances). To the Romans he wrote: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” Romans 12:18. He is an example for all of us.
The third great principle demonstrated in the life of Paul was his acceptance of the mighty power of God. He writes these amazing words: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. “Strengthen” comes from a word that has the meaning of “dynamo” or “power” and teaches us that the power we are supplied is through Christ. I read of a church which needed extra parking space. The owner of a vacant lot adjoining the church building was approached about using his lot. He agreed that the church could use the lot for free 51 Sundays each year, but would pay him rent the remainder of the year. “Just so you’ll remember who this lot belongs to” was his explanation. We must remember to whom we belong spiritually and who is the source of our strength! Paul wrote: “you are not your own, for you were bought at a price” 1 Corinthians 6:19,20.
Following Paul’s inspired words which reflected his own walk with God is, I believe, the way to have the most satisfying life on earth and will equip us for our life in Heaven!
