Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) – “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.”

At one time, Paul wasn’t content, but he learned the secret of being content regardless of prevailing conditions. Contentment became a way of life for Paul because his contentment didn’t depend on another person, food, or things.

What is the secret of attaining contentment?

I looked at these words of Philippians 4:11-12 and thought about them for a while. I can envision Paul embodying these words. Paul was content in spirit because he loved and depended on Christ more than his body and its needs.

Some people equate contentment with being happy.

In my world, hunger and happiness aren’t playmates—they don’t get alone.

Happiness is the state of being elated. Contentment is about being satisfied. When I’m hungry, I’m neither content nor happy—not even for a moment.

Babies are irritable and cry when they are hungry. No need to say ‘one moment please’ to them. For the sake of peace, quiet, and your sanity, feed them.

Even though sometimes we act like babies, discipline helps adults to wait on many needs and wants. If we believe God will help in providing wants and needs, we wait with contentment.

I remember times that my husband and I had to budget our income, live within lean means, and be content. There was no money to eat out once a week at Ruby Tuesdays or other nice restaurants. We thanked God for what we had but not without grumbling, sometimes.

Grumbling wasn’t a good look when believing that God would keep his promise. Better days and times did come.

So, to make contentment a way of life is a secret that many of us have to learn.

What is the difference between contentment and happiness? Paul didn’t say anything about being happy in any and every circumstance.

The Oxford Dictionary’s definition of happiness is “The state of pleasurable content of mind.” This state results from the successful attainment of a desire or something believed to be good. 

There’s nothing good and happy about being physically hungry.

But people also hunger for position, prestige, other intangibles, along with ‘stuff,’ and plenty of it.

One of Oxford’s definitions of contentment is “Willing to accept a particular thing; satisfied.

Content people are usually happier than those who aren’t content.

People continually attain things to feel happy. Instead of acquiring an excess of things, content folks are satisfied with what they have.

Contentment involves looking inward and isn’t influenced by external things. People who are content don’t ‘keep up with the Joneses’ or current trends.

Gratitude or being thankful for what one has is a big component of contentment. I’m not talking about the ‘I’m thankful but’ kind of gratitude. The but sounds too much like grumbling.

People who want more for the sake of excess and prestige are not content. I know it’s all about ‘because I can.’

Are you happy when you are content, or are you content when you are happy?

Would you rather be content or happy?

Unfortunately, happiness is not a way of life because it’s temporary, conditional, and forever changing. Buying a car, house, expensive jewelry, or other things make many people happy. But they may not be any happier than those who don’t have these things but are content.

Happiness is one of the most fleeting human emotions. People’s happiness change at the drop of a hat.

When was the last time you were happy?

I would rather be content than to be happy. Contentment is the precursor to staying happy.

Paul accepted his state or circumstances without worry or stress. His contentment wouldn’t be dictated by the needs or wants of the flesh. He would not be a slave to food or things.

He became the master or his body and mind when he became content in Christ, the master of this soul.

The secret of Paul’s contentment is revealed in verse 13 of Philippians 4 (NIV), “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

Contentment is a gift from God. And God gives it to those who live for Him. Being content is a journey that only Christ can take and deliver us.

I am further on my journey to contentment than I was yesterday, weeks, months, or years ago.

“Contentment is the greatest form of wealth.” Acharya Nagarjuna