Life Lessons

Philippians 4:11-13

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [d]be abased, and I know how to [e]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through [f]Christ who strengthens me.

Quickword: Life Lessons

The Apostle Paul gives us an example of lessons learned from the perspective of a mature believer. Paul pens this letter to the Church at Philippi while confined in a Roman jail. Yet it is here because of the lessons taught by life that Paul reminds us that regardless of our circumstances we can learn to be content. Content is being in a state of satisfaction. Paul teach us that in whatever state we are in to be content. When we are humbled or exalted, be content; when we have and when we are without, be content; when the circumstances of life bind or set us free, be content. The hymn writer penned it this way:

* I've had some good days

I've had some hills to climb

I've had some weary days

And some sleepless nights

But when I look around

And I think things over

All of my good days

Out-weigh my bad days

I won't complain

My brothers and my sisters, what a great joy it is for me now to have lived long enough and experienced some of life challenges that I‘m learning to be content. I purposely wrote learning , present tense as I’m still growing. Today, I thank God that good days outweigh my bad days and I won’t complain.

Let’s pray: Dear God in Heaven, I come before you this morning thanking you for life lessons. Father, I thank you as the results of the ups and downs of life, I’ve learned and continue to learn to be content. God I’ve suffered the loss of love ones, I’ve been sick, I’ve been passed over and rejected, on the other hand I’ve been blessed with the joy of being a grandfather, I’m relatively healthy and have health insurance, I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled extensively. I can echo the words of the Apostle Paul, I have learned to be content. But not only am I content, but I’ve learned that I can do all things through Jesus Christ. Beloved it, today whether you are on the mountain top or find yourself in the valley of life, be content. All of the ups and downs of life are just life lessons to aid us on this journey call life. God, thank you for all that you have done, will do and are doing right now. God we thank you for your Grace and your Mercy in the name of Jesus. Amen.