GET YOUR "WANTER" FIXED

GET YOUR “WANTER” FIXED

READ:

Philippians 4:4-13

I have learned in whatever

state I am, to be content.

 –Philippians 4:11

When my wife was a young girl in Austin, Texas, Carlyle Marney was her family’s  neighbor, pastor, and friend.  One of his off-hand remarks about being content became one of her familly’s enduring expressions:  “Dr. Marney says, ‘We just need to get our wanter fixed.’”.

It’s so easy to want more than we need and to become more focused on getting than on giving.  Soon, our desires dictate our choices.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in the city of Philippi, he told them, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content….I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12).  Paul was saying, in effect, “I’ve had my ‘wanter’ fixed.”  It’s important to note that Paul was not born with contentment.  He learned it in the difficult circumstances of everyday life.

During this season of the year, when shopping and buying often take center stage in so many countries and cultures, why don’t we decide to focus on being satisfied in our present circumstances?  It may sound difficult, but Paul, when talking about learning to be content said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (v.13). – David McCasland

Help us, Lord, to learn contentment when life is

rough.  Protect us from believing the lie that

having more will bring us happiness.  May we be

content with what You have given.

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Contentment begins with having fewer wants.

INSIGHT

In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul reveals three of the benefits of following Christ.  Living in relationship with the Savior will be marked by joy, gentleness, and peace.  No wonder Paul was able to experience a heart of contentment even when imprisoned in Rome (v.11).

Have a blessed day and weekend.

God Our Creator’s Love Always

Unity & Peace