There is one thing in life that most people either dream of or strive for, and that is contentment. To be at peace and ease within yourself and with life is something we know will ease the stress of life. Often we think, "If I make a change, that will make me content."

 There is a story of a farmer who lived on the same farm all of his life. It was a pretty good farm and had served him well. But as the years went by, the farmer started to get tired of the farm - he wanted a change, something better. As he went out to work, he seemed to always find something to criticize about the place, so one day he contacted the stock and station agent to put the farm on the market. Subsequently, the stock and station agent wrote up a positive description of the farm in order to be able to gain sales. The ad. emphasized the advantages that the farm was on fertile ground, had modern equipment, fences were in good order, had a great location, great breeding stock and blood lines etc.

 The Stock and Station agent called the farmer to run by him the wording of the ad. for final approval. When he had finished, the farmer called out, "Hang on a second. I've changed my mind - I'm not selling. I've been looking for a place like that all my life.

 It seems to me that not only do we strive for contentment through life changes, but a theory that pervades our society today is that financial and material gain brings contentment, simply because you can afford to do whatever you wish.

 In 1923, there was a very important meeting held at a Hotel in Chicago. Attending this meeting were eight of the world's most successful financiers. They were:

 The president of the largest independent steel company;

• The president of the largest gas company;
• The greatest wheat speculator;
• The president of the New York Stock Exchange;
• A member of the president's cabinet;
• The greatest "bear" in Wall Street;
• Head of the world's greatest monopoly;
• President of the Bank of International Settlements.

I guess others looked upon these men as people who had made it, people who could be content with their successes.

 Twenty-five years later let's see where these men were:

• The president of the largest independent steel company - Charles Schwab - died a bankrupt and lived on borrowed money for five years before his death.
• The president of the largest Gas Company -Howard Hopson - was diagnosed as insane.
• The greatest wheat speculator - Arthur Cutton died insolvent.
• The president of the New York Stock Exchange - Richard Whitney - spent time in Sing Sing Penitentiary.
• The member of the president's' cabinet -Albert Fall- was pardoned from prison so he could die at home.
• The greatest "bear" in Wall Street -Jesse Livermore- , the head of the greatest monopoly - Ivan Krueger, and the president of 'the Bank of International Settlement -Leon Fraser - all died by suicide.

 All of these men learned well the art of making money, but not one of them learned how to live. That is live a life of contentment. I received an email this week describing the effect of the economic downturn in Japan upon Japanese business people. Many of those who have become insolvent are opting to suicide rather than face the shame of bankruptcy.

 Does money and material possessions buy or bring contentment? Well, I don't think so.

 As we look at this passage today, one theme that comes from it is that contentment comes with a mature and balanced perspective on life.

 Now, if maturity is all that important, then we need to understand it better. So, exactly what is it?

 To be spiritually mature is to be fully developed, complete, and "grown up." Becoming mature is a process of consistently moving toward emotional and spiritual adulthood, just as the writer of Hebrews says in Heb. 5:12-15 where he speaks of moving from a milk diet to a solid diet where righteousness is understood and practiced. Therefore, by being mature, we leave childish and adolescent habits and behaviors aside, and adopt a lifestyle where we are fully responsible for our own decisions, motives, actions, and consequences.

 The fact is, if we maintain the right attitude, as we spoke of last week, we are then able to rejoice and be content, despite the circumstances that come our way. That's the great thing about Paul's words to his friends in Philippi - throughout the letter, as we have seen, he has continued to emphasize and encourage joy in spite of difficult circumstances, because of Christ. And that is exactly where this next section begins.

Paul says in Philip. 4:10:

This is the incredible thing about Paul, here he is, a sixty-plus-year-old Jew chained to a Roman guard under house arrest, not knowing if he will be killed tomorrow, brought to court, or set free. Although he doesn't have the comforts of a normal home and the privileges of privacy, he is happy. Although he doesn't have a any idea as to what his future holds, he is rejoicing about life. Although he is forced to stay in one place without the freedom to go where he wishes, completely removed from a broader ministry, he is still rejoicing. No matter what happened to him, Paul refused to be caught in the grip of pessimism. As we have seen in previous weeks, he was content because of his relationship in Christ. This is the maturity of Paul from which we can learn.

1. THE MATURITY OF PAUL

We are able to get a pretty good idea here of a man who truly practiced what he preached. There are four characteristics of maturity in Paul's life in this passage.

 a) He is affirming.

Behind his words in verse 10 is the financial support of the Philippians. When he writes that they had revived their concern for him, Paul means that they had sent another contribution to help him press on. When he says, "You were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity,' he means they had wanted to send an offering to him earlier, but they either didn't know where he was or they had no way to get it to him. A part of our humanity is that normally it is the other way around, we have an opportunity to send our support, but we lack concern, or we are looking inwardly, toward our own wants and needs, rather than outwardly.

 Note the thoughtfulness here of Paul. He says, "even when I didn't hear from you, you were concerned for me." If we haven't heard from someone for a while, what do we think. Is it, "Oh, they must have been busy", or "they don't care about me", or "I wonder if they are okay", or "obviously they've got their nose out of joint about something". Note the difference - one reaction is self-seeking or reactive, the other is caring for others. Paul thought better of others, not less. He upheld their intentions. Even when he didn't hear from his friends, he did not doubt that they cared.

 You know, it is important that we appreciate what people do and to affirm who they are. When we say thank you to someone who completes a task, we are expressing our appreciation. But when we acknowledge and express our gratitude for what and who others are - in their character, in their motive, and in their heart - we are affirming them personally. A mark of maturity, as we see here in Paul, is the ability to affirm, not just appreciate. It means we are not embarrassed to lift others up -to build them up. It is easy to see and encourage people for the tasks they accomplish, but a task-oriented mentality is incomplete. People are human beings with souls and feelings, not simply machines operating to fulfill tasks. Therefore, it is essential to recognize and affirm the unseen, hidden qualities that make an individual a person of worth and dignity. Paul gives us the example to appreciate and affirm others.

 As we have already talked about, Paul is a content man.

He says in Philip. 4:11

Affirmation is valuable, but spiritual maturity is made obvious when a person evidences contentment. Paul, "learned to be content," regardless of his situation. To him it made no difference whether he was freed or bound to a soldier, whether the Philippians sent a gift or failed to make contact.

 People who are content are a breath of fresh air. They are not critical or sarcastic, but bring with them a relaxing and peaceful presence.

 You know, some people are like thermometers. They merely register what is around them. If the situation is pressurized, they register tension and irritability. If it's stormy, they register worry and fear. If it's calm, quiet, and comfortable, they register relaxation and peacefulness.

 Others though are thermostats - they regulate the atmosphere. They are the mature change-agents who never let the situation dictate to them.

 Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?

 Many people wish for the gift of contentment, but it isn't a gift - it is a learned trait. Paul admits that he has developed the ability to accept and to adapt. Remember? He wrote in verse 11, "I have learned to be content.'

 There were several men who had been prisoners of war during the Vietnam, and were held under horrific conditions. A number of those men said the same thing: "We learned after a few hours what it took to survive, and we just adapted to that." They didn't whine and complain because they had been captured. They didn't eat their hearts out because the conditions were miserable and the food was terrible. They chose to adapt.

 The Greek term translated "content" does not mean, "I don't care what happens--I'll remain indifferent, numb." It means "self-sufficient," and in the context of this letter it means being at peace in Christ's sufficiency. How could Paul adapt and endure? What was it that relieved the tension and allowed him to be so relaxed within? He knew Christ was with him every day, empowering him, equipping him, and encouraging him. He believed and lived by the fact that anything was bearable, and that nothing was out of control because of the security he had in Christ. When we genuinely have that kind of attitude - joy and contentment fills our lives.

 A result of Paul's contentment in Christ was that he had the ability to be flexible.

If we are going to be content within the context of the ups and downs of life, it is essential we be flexible, to take the highs along with the lows. Paul wasn't ticked off because he was mistreated, abandoned by some, unable to earn a living because of house arrest, and unable to minister outside of the confines of that house arrest. When Paul was without, he didn't grumble, and when he was blessed he didn't act unworthy and ashamed. Mature men and women can handle both without disturbing their spiritual or emotional equilibrium. They do not complain or grumble about difficulties, neither do they deny people the privilege of serving them due to pride. They accept, receive, and give.

 Another thing that contentment brings is confidence.

Paul says in Philip. 4:13

The Living Bible puts it this way:

 For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

These few words are incredible one's. They describe clearly the indwelling Christ. Our Lord not only lives within each of His people, but He also pours out His power into us. And that alone should be enough to make us confident.

 Consider again Paul's statement. Whatever we may substitute for "Christ' fails to fit the statement. Let's try few.

Nothing else fits . . . only Christ. Why? Because nothing and no one else is able to empower us and provide the strength we need. The Christian has the Lord Himself dwelling within, and so the potential for inner strength (i.e., confidence) is unlimited. This explains why those who gave their lives for whatever righteous cause down through the ages did so with such courage. Often they were physically weak individuals, small in stature, but they refused to back down. Only the indwelling, empowering Christ, by the work of the Holy Spirit can give someone that much confidence.

 So, the four qualities of maturity in Paul are:

• Affirming others
• Contented, regardless
• Flexible, whatever the situation
• Confident through Christ

 Now, Paul isn't the only one here who gives us an example of maturity. We also see and can learn from the maturity of the Philippians who had three characteristics in their lives.

Paul had numerous needs as he traveled on his missionary journeys. As we know, he endured hardship, disappointments, heartache, and afflictions. Through it all, the Philippians lent their support. In fact, no other church demonstrated such personal compassion--a mark of maturity. They never second-guessed or were critical of his decision to move on - instead they supported him. They neither judged him when things went well nor complained when times were hard - they supported him. They felt pain when he hurt, they prayed for him when he was unable to stay in touch, and they sent friends to comfort him when he was in prison. No wonder Paul felt so much affection for them and called them in chapter 1 "Partners in the Gospel" because that is exactly how they functioned - not looking introspectively but outwardly.

 These people were generous

Another evidence of spiritual maturity is financial generosity. Chuck Swindoll says this, "When people graciously and liberally release their treasure to the cause of Christ, it is a sign that they are growing up. The people of Philippi were models of this." Paul says even when he was in Thessalonica they sent him money.' Thessalonica was a wealthier city than Philippi, and yet, even when Paul was there, the Philippians kept on giving.

 The greed of our society has caused the subject of money to be tarnished and misunderstood. Money, in itself is not evil. While it can be abused and can become the cause for greed and evil (1 Tim. 6:10), how one handles their money is often a good barometer of one's spiritual and emotional growth. Very few things can get accomplished in ministry without the presence of generous financial support from God's people. The fact is money and ministry often flow together. There is nothing unspiritual about admitting the need for money in our lives.

 Paul's need was for cash, no question about it. Because his friends were mature, they responded generously.

 For the past 14 years, the Baptist Union, through Mission to Queensland, has generously supported ministry here in the Burdekin by financial means. We have been blessed by them in order to maintain a ministry in this area. But folks, 14 years is a long time. My hope is that we not only be self-supportive, but can also bless other churches and ministries through our giving. The fact is, in less then 2 years we will no longer be receiving financial assistance from Mission to Queensland. I don't believe this possesses a problem, as I think we have the ability as a church to support ourselves without depending upon external resources, simply because I believe God wants an effective ministry here - that's why Julie-Ann, me and the kids came here. So the responsibility falls back to us in our obedience to Christ. In monetary and material terms, are we being obedient to the Lord in terms of what he wants us to give.

 The Philippians knew what it was to have a sacrificial commitment - that is a commitment that says God first.

As Paul assessed his situation, he realized he couldn't have been taken better care of. As he put it, he was "amply supplied". He had more than enough. Thanks to the sacrificial commitment of the Philippians, his needs were met. And isn't that the way it is supposed to be? As the gift is given, prompted by the Holy Spirit, it comes as "a fragrant aroma," giving God great delight.

 It is as if Paul's is overwhelmed by this generosity and sacrifice when he writes this promise to his friends:

 Philip. 4:19

When our hearts are full of compassion - where God prompts us to get involved in helping others . . . When He is at work through our acts of generosity, honoring our support of His ministry. And when He is leading us in our commitment to his work, using our sacrifices to bless other lives, the Lord does not forget us in our own point of need. That is part of the healthy functioning of our relationship with Christ and participation in the Body of Christ.

 But there is a flip side to all this. People can and do manipulate this whole area of money for their own gain - this has happened in churches and ministries. And I believe this is why there is pessimism in Christian circles and in the community about churches always asking for money. So, the whole subject of finances and fund raising and having right motives in the handling of money correctly in the church is a huge responsibility that requires both integrity and accountability. The bottom line is this - how we handle our finances, and what the level of generosity we have with those finances is a discipleship matter. It is a matter to do with our maturity and growth in the Lord as evidenced, not only in the example of the Philippians, but in numerous places throughout the New Testament. In terms of sacrifice, the New Testaments theme is generosity in all aspects of our lives, materially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And God honors and blesses the sacrificial commitment of His children.

 CONCLUSION

Finally, how can these truths get transferred from our minds and be transferred to our lives? What's necessary if we want to see growth toward spiritual maturity?

1. Look within . . . and release. Ask yourself, "what is it deep down inside of me that is stunting my growth? When the Lord shows you something your hanging onto too tightly, let it go into His hands. If you doubt you can let it go, then just remember Paul's words in verse 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Let Him help you let go.

 

2. Look around . . . and respond. Don't wait for someone else ask you for help. Act on your own initiative through the Lord's leading. The Philippians saw Paul in his need and they responded . . . again and again. Even though other churches did not follow their example, the people from Philippi saw the need and responded. Is there some need you can help meet? Risk responding.

 

3. Look up . . . and rejoice. You and me are the recipients of God's blessings-- so enjoy them! Realize in a fresh way all God has done for you; then rejoice in the pleasure of getting involved with others. It is an incredible privilege that God gives us to serve others for His glory. Often the happiest people in life are those who reach out to others - simply because they are content. The saddest are often the one's who live their lives closed, seeking attention, rather than giving out to others.

So, the qualities of spiritual maturity again are:

• Affirming others
• Contentment
• Flexibility, whatever the situation
• Confident through Christ
• Personal Compassion for others
• Financial generosity to others
• Sacrificial Commitment

 This material has been adapted from the book "Laugh Again" by Chuck Swindoll

By Scott Douglas, Burdekin Baptist Church, 13^th December 1998