I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)
This world was not Pauls’ home, heaven was and he knew this dusty earth was merely his sojourn there. He was confident everything he endured here was in no way a comparison to even a glimmer of heaven’s gain. The same is to be true for us. We are to live with the earth under our feet and with heaven in our eyes, fixing our eyes on Jesus. It is wonderful to know that true contentment is discovered in desiring heaven not earthly things. We are often so easily pleased with the temporal – though briefly - as it always keeps us longing for more – like a two year old with candy – it never fully satisfies. When we live for earthly things in this way we miss being continually content with what His hand offers now and what lies ahead in heaven for us. As C. S. Lewis stated, “We are far too easily pleased”. It is the wallowing in the sand box of this earth and forgoing the sand of the sea which is infinitely superior. We are not to seek contentment from the lesser but eagerly desire the greater. Our God does not change. What was true for Paul is true for us as well.
God is loving and faithful in all His ways and so worthy of our trust. He always has our best interest at heart, even in the hard of life. His refinement of us is His love in action. He woos us to Him by His love and uses all He allows in our lives to become more and more like His Son and then He takes us home to glory. Our cry should be as King David’s when he rightly exclaimed: “Whom have I in Heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desires besides you?” It is no wonder Scripture tells us he was a man after God’s own heart.
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:17-21 (NIV)