Fulfillment in Jesus

 Whether we realize it or not, one of human’s most serious problems is envy - we resentfully desire what we do not have, triggered by someone else's possession.

Our happiness and/or sadness should not depend on what others have compared to ours. When we do, we let ourselves in an endless cycle of dissatisfaction. Our happiness should depend on Jesus Christ.

¹⁰I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I 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. ¹³I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 NIV

In this passage, the Apostle Paul teaches us some very important lessons about contentment.

"Satisfaction over someone having less than what we have leads to pride."

Principles like, “I should be thankful because others don't have what I have.” or, “I will eat because in some parts of the world, there are people who have nothing to eat.” sound good on the surface. But notice how it depends entirely on others. I mean, what if you don’t have what they have, or if everyone in the world has something to eat? Will that forfeit your own happiness? The following passage is an epic example of finding your worth based on what other people don’t have.

¹¹The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹²I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” ¹³But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” ¹⁴I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Luke 18:11-14 NIV

 The antidote to this attitude is gratefulness for what the Lord has done, not what you had on your own.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. Philippians 4:10 NIV

When we are grateful, there is no room for pride.

 

"Dissatisfaction over someone having more than what we have leads to anger."

This may be illustrated by how we feel about friends' social media post where you are not a part of.

Or when you have something to eat, but you still find a way to be upset by saying, “They have better food.” Or having a car but say, “My car is smaller than theirs.”

This type of attitude towards what others have can lead to anger and depression.

Remember the prodigal son? He had a brother. This is how he reacted when his father celebrated his younger son's return.

²⁹But he answered his father, “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” ³¹“My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³²But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:29-32 NIV

It's as if the father is saying, “This celebration was not meant to hurt you, but to celebrate the enlightenment of your younger brother.” Because that’s just what it is. It has nothing to do with him as a better or worse son. When we make things about us, it might lead to disappointment.

 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 NIV

When there is satisfaction in Christ, there is contentment.

 

"Contentment over Jesus giving more than what we deserve leads to fulfillment."

The secret to a fulfilled life is contentment.

Be content with what you are given.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 NIV

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. Philippians 4:12 NIV

Enjoy the blessings - thank God for it.

Be patient in times of need - pray to God.

Let everything begin and end with God!

It is not wrong to work so you’ll earn money, just make sure you put God on top of your priority list.

Remember, the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10 NIV

¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

If you depend on God for happiness, then you will always be content.

When we are complete in Jesus Christ, we become unaffected by what others have or do not have, and we become fully empowered by His grace and mercy.

Only then will we be able to declare,

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIV