Old School | Crosstraining 6.10.14

Philippians 4:12-13 Paul didn’t live a cushy life. He spent a lot of time in jail. He had a physical ailment that plagued him his entire life. People were constantly trying to kill him. And he and many of his friends were often persecuted, beaten, and starved for their faith. And yet, he somehow talks about knowing the secret of contentment. Our culture has traded the word contentment for happiness. We all want it, and we’ll do anything to get it.  We just want to be happy. We look at the people around us and see that they have better cars and better jobs, more attractive spouses and more friends. They seem happy. And sometimes, when we get those things, we end up happy too. But happy can fade. As soon as the car breaks down, the job becomes a little harder, our spouses age, and our friends become busy we start to lose those sources of happiness. Paul knew that chasing happiness would only lead to a temporary fix for what ailed him. Freedom from jail, healing, safety – all of those things would have made Paul happier! But instead of trying to change his circumstances, Paul trusted in Jesus to sustain him through whatever would come his way. That’s contentment. Contentment means that we can be satisfied in any situation. Not just okay with the situation, not just making it through the situation, but fully satisfied in the situation. What is Paul’s secret to being content? Jesus. He knew that a moment of happiness would never compare to the fullness and depth he found in the love of Jesus, that no earthly thing would ever satisfy his wants and desires, and ultimately, the only person Paul ever wanted was Christ. What would make you happier this week? Whether it’s something seemingly unimportant (a bigger house?) or something huge (healing from a physical ailment? reconciliation of a relationship?), take time to focus on Jesus. Whenever your mind wanders to those things and your heart starts to believe that they can make you content, read Philippians 4:12-13. ———————————————————– This week’s Crosstraining comes from Southland Christian Church in Lexington, KY. Go to http://southlandchristian.org/ for more about Southland Church]]>