p. 4 | A VALUABLE LESSON by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Feb 22, 1905

A VALUABLE LESSON.

By G.

The apostle Paul was what the world would call a learned man (Acts 26:24). Even from the standpoint of the orthodox Jews he was reckoned as learned (Gal. 1:13, 14). But there was one simple lesson, more profitable than all this, that he did not, in fact he could not, learn until he was taught of Christ. That lesson was contentment. As Moses, who was "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds," could not, or did not, learn the lesson of meekness until he had spent years as a common shepherd, so Paul did not learn to be content under all circumstances until he had passed through bitter experiences in divers conditions.

Relating his experience to the Philippian church, he says: "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Phil. 4:11-13. The ground of this contentment is indicated in the next expression, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

When a man comes to the point where he can realize that he is possessed of a power by which he can do all things, and is willing to be guided by that power, he has a good foundation for contentment. Paul says he "was instructed" how to be content, both when he had plenty and when he was in great need. From whom did he receive this instruction? Evidently from one who had passed through that experience. No other would be capable of imparting such instruction. But we read of Christ, that, "tho He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor." Tho "by Him were all things created," yet He had not "where to lay His head," and often suffered hunger—all for our sakes.

With all this, to us, incomprehensible change, He was content, for He made the change voluntarily because of His great love for us. One is usually content to do that which he loves to do. And it was Christ Himself who taught the lesson to Paul. No man can learn such a lesson without the Spirit of Christ, and that is implanted by the Gospel, of which Paul says, "I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Gal. 1:12.

Some will incline to say that it is nothing to be content when one has plenty. But that is a great mistake; the natural man becomes more grasping and covetous and discontented as his possessions increase. It is fully as hard to be content with an abundance as it is to be content in penury. And this fact is plainly discernible by noting the actions of people in the various conditions of life. The Spirit of inspiration that indited the apostle's words would not have spoken of his learning the lesson of contentment when he had plenty, had it been a lesson that could or would be naturally learned.

The spirit of contentment, in whatever condition temporally, is a most valuable acquirement; therefore the scripture says: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Tim. 6:6-8.

To this excellent admonition is added a most solemn warning: "But they that will be rich [whether they be already rich or poor] fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts." "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."

It is so much better, in all conditions, under all circumstances, to be content. "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Ps. 37:3. G.