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A friend of mine told a story this past week he recalled, which I just had to share.

A frantic mother was screaming for help on the bank of the river because her little boy had fallen in the river and couldn’t swim. A man came running, and with no regard for his own life, jumped in the water. He found the young boy, pulled him to shore, successfully performed CPR, and presented him to his mom. The mother looked up and said, “Mister, he had a hat.”

I have thought of this old story a lot lately as I watch and listen to our world. Contentment is a scarce commodity among us. Selfishness is overflowing. The apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” We all should pursue that sense of satisfaction with the blessings God pours out on us.

Does it ever amaze you how some folks are never content? You can serve and serve, help and help, do and do and yet they still want and ask for more. Some folks get just enough to survive and other folks have enough toilet paper to poop 270 times a day for the next 80 years with enough left over for their grandkids to have some too.

Whatever happened to being content?

Even when it comes to services around us, folks desire to have it their way and will complain without considering what all is being done or needing to be adjusted.

We just ain’t content any longer. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil. 4:11).” Just after the apostle Paul says this in Philippians 4:11 he continues by saying how he knew from personal experience what it was like to have plenty and he knew what it was like to be in need. He says in verse 12, “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.”

How is life treating you? Are you in want? Are your needs being met? Are you content with what you got? Or, are you never satisfied with what others are doing to assist or with what you have around the house? Whatever happened to being content?

As Bob Moulden said, “Contentment is a scarce commodity among us.”

Do you know what you can do? Be content. Meet the needs. Be the good. Shine bright into the darkness. Never forget how the apostle Paul’s next sentence in Philippians 4 encourages you: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (v13).”

You got this. #bethegood

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail. com.