Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Paul had to LEARN to be content and this is also something that we need to learn. In fact Paul also said in 1 Timothy 6:8 "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." He mentions food and clothing and doesn't even mention shelter! Most of us in western society have far more than just food and clothing! Can we learn to be content? Yes!
Paul also goes on to say in 1 Timothy 6: 9-11, "9 But they that will be rich [meaning those who make their lives all about "the mighty dollar"] fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
As believers we can only learn contentment and "follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" by allowing Christ and His word to live in and through us. When we have sound grace doctrine built up in our inner man, believing it and obeying it, we realize that the things of this world are only temporary and that the things of God are eternal.
Paul also says in verses 17-19, "Charge them that are rich in this world [those who were already wealthy when they got saved or a believer who receives a financial inheritance etc], that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."
As wives, mothers and homemakers we can learn to be content with our husbands, family, homes, etc. We don't need to "keep up with the Jones's". If you are a full-time homemaker, you can learn to be content with staying home, obeying your husband, taking care of your children etc. If you are a woman who has to work outside of the home or who cannot have children etc you can also learn contentment.
We really should also be thankful as well as content - for our husbands, family, home, food etc and of course for our salvation, our identity in Christ, and all of our spiritual blessings in Christ, for fellow believers etc. We can even be thankful for our sufferings! Apostle Paul said,
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5)
We suffer when we choose to live godly. As homemakers this can include suffering when we choose to put our families before ourselves, suffering when we put off being career women for being full-time homemakers (or in some cases suffering when we have to work outside of the home to care for our families like if we are widowed or our husbands are too ill to work), etc. But this suffering, if we also allow Christ to live in and through us through our sufferings, leads to eternal rewards in heaven! We are only on this earth for a short time, but eternity is forever! We need to keep the judgment seat of Christ in mind and allow Christ to live in and through us. If we try to be homemakers from the energy of our flesh it leads to LOSS OF REWARDS but with us allowing Christ and His word to live in and through us, we gain rewards because it's really Christ in us that makes it possible. God gets ALL the glory!
Our flesh will yearn for the things of this world and will yearn to "do it all" by our own fleshly efforts too. Keep some of these verses in mind.
2 Corinthians 12:10 -
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Romans 12:12 -
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Romans 8:18 -
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
1 Timothy 6:6 -
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
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