Mae Hilliker
Contented (happy and at ease) Christians can have powerful, effective testimonies and witnesses that Jesus Christ can provide what the “world” cannot.
But, our enemy loves to see discontentment (dissatisfaction, especially with one’s circumstances) among Christians. It’s a wide open door for him to enter and work his cunning deceptions.
In Philippians 4, Paul speaks of the five thieves of contentment:
- Pettiness (Philippians 4:2-3) – Jesus pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
- Anxiety (Philippians 4:6) – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Destructive Thinking (Philippians 4:8) – Paul gives a check list of things to think upon. Think on those things which are pure, admirable, excellent, etc. Worthy thought patterns are a key to finding contentment. Make God’s Word a priority!
- Resisting to Learn (Philippians 4:11) – Paul states, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance.” When we ask God to give us a heart willing to learn, we bind up the thief of contentment.
- Independence (Philippians 4:13) – Paul states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We can say we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, but unless we put it into practice, it doesn’t work. Faith must be exercised.
Because Paul ceased letting thieves steal his contentment, he had a powerful testimony.
–By Deacon Mae Hilliker
References from the book, “To Live In Christ,” by Beth Moore.
Read other blog posts by Mae:
- Life’s Challenges & Trials
- Narrow Your Field of Vision
- His Plan for You
- Under-Emphasizing that Which is Needed
- Stay in Your Lane