Content or Lukewarm?

"So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." ~Rev. 3:16-18

Many of us fear the possibility of loss.  We consider all we have and think how difficult life would be without the blessings that bring us so much joy.  What if we lost our home or our money?  What if we lost our health and physical abilities?  What if we lost our husband, our wife, or our children in some unforseen event?  These circumstances scare us.  We would much rather live life with peace, with stability and security.  But perhaps these things are not among the worst.  What if life was smooth with very few waves?  What if we acquire the things we desire and live life with very few needs?  We are simply content.  It sounds good doesn't it? 

Being content is a godly characteristic...right?  If we become content or satisfied with life as it is then we can miss the real treasure found in Jesus Christ!  Christianity then becomes a bow to wrap around our already successful lives rather than a passion that consumes our hearts. 

Godly contentment is one that finds satisfaction, even more so, great pleasure in Jesus Christ.  It is one that is not waivered by circumstances.  Circumstances do not determine the joy of one filled with godly contentment.  On the other hand, one who is lukewarm, as those in Laodicea, find satisfaction but not in Christ.  Life is good enough.  Here is great danger!  One who is luke warm does not experience the Real Treasure but settles for less.  Father, help us see the emptiness in the things of this world so we may experience the Real Treasure found in Jesus Christ! 

Content

Paul said, "...I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:11b-13) 

Sometimes it is easy to examine our lives and say we are content.  God has blessed us beyond belief and we are enjoying the gifts He has poured out in our hands.  Yet, there are other times our contentment is put to the test.  We lose the gifts that made us feel secure, well taken care of.  We can no longer produce the wealth that once came with ease.  Or perhaps our relationships now require more work than we feel we have the strength to give.  They seem to produce more anxiety than refreshment.  Maybe the health we once enjoyed has been threatened and we no longer have the physical strength or ability to do the things we once enjoyed so much.  Have you ever felt this way?  So where do we go from here? 

Paul said he had learned the secret of living in every situation.  He was able to "rejoice in the Lord, always!"  How can a man find joy in prison or while going hungry?  How can one celebrate in the midst of great persecution and even the physical beatings he endured?  What is this "secret" Paul had learned because this secret is one worth knowing!  Paul rejoiced not in his circumstances but in the Lord and the Lord does not change!  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  While life presented Paul with an abundance of trying circumstances, Paul was able to find joy in the Lord!  His life was lived in persuit of God's glory not his own.  He was able to rest knowing that his work was one of eternal significance (we see that even today).  Paul rejoiced in the Lord, and said he could to all things through Christ.  Contentment can only be found in the One who does not change.  He is our source of strength and joy.  Everything else will fade away.