Christ: The Key to Contentment
While in prison, Paul penned precious words about the sufficiency of Christ. We tend to attach the idea of contentment to beach vacations and mountain retreats, but the apostle wrote that we are not to be anxious in any place or at any time, because we have the Lord's peace.
Contentment is the believer's "birthright." Peace is part of the spiritual fruit that's ours when we trust in the Savior (Gal. 5:22). Scripture describes it as an inner peace that passes all understanding (v. 7).
Jesus lived through conflict with a sense of inner quiet, and because of His indwelling Spirit, that remarkable calm also belongs to God's children. That is important because there are times when we come across a problem with no earthly solution. In situations like that, we learn that self-sufficiency is a lie. We can't cope alone, but Christ is enough for us.
Here is the flip side of the coin: "'There is no peace for the wicked,' says the LORD" (Isa. 48:22). Modern culture slaps the word wickedonto only the most vile of actions and people, but God's definition is much broader. The wicked are those who willfully reject His right to forgive their sins and take Lordship over their life. If you are not a believer, you cannot experience true and lasting contentment.
When we are born again (John 3:3-8), we become children of the living God and rightful heirs to every good thing that He has to offer. This includes the deep, inner peace and joy that can withstand any trial. What can man do to the one who belongs to the Lord (Heb. 13:6)?
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