Many Christians seem to have mixed-up contentment priorities. On the one hand, external circumstances tend to make us feel dissatisfied. We may be unhappy about our physical appearance, lack of money needed to purchase a coveted item, or even the weather. On the other hand, we tend to be perfectly content with our spiritual growth—or its lack.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul reveals that his priorities are just the opposite. Imprisoned in a Roman dungeon, he lacks even the most basic human needs (e.g., proper nourishment, warmth, the liberty to move about freely). But his unmet needs fail to depress his spirits: “Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11-13). Although Paul has reached this unusual level of spiritual maturity, he is far from satisfied with his progress. Acknowledging his imperfection, he presses on (3:12).
How would adopting Paul’s excellent priorities affect our daily conduct? We would, for instance, feel considerably less satisfied with our knowledge of the Scriptures. Six or seven decades ago, when an eighth-grade education was common in the United States, members of the Lord’s church were known for their thorough Bible knowledge. Now, though, even equipped with a high school or college education, the average Christian seems to be more familiar with the 66 buttons on the remote than the 66 books of the Bible. If we are satisfied with this shortcoming, we will never grow.