In writing to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul made a profound statement, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11). From the verse, Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646) began one of his most well-known and valuable works, "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment".

In that book Burroughs, stated, "Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quite, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition". I think that is good working definition and gets to the real heart of the issue of Christian Contentment.

The Apostle says that it is something that is "learned". Little is learned without difficulty and discipline. Apparently, it was in the very difficult circumstances and situations that Paul providentially experienced in his life and ministry that he learned the Godly virtue of contentment. In another passage he stated, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need"

Christian contentment is in direct opposition to covetousness. The writer to the Hebrews admonished his readers to "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5)

The hymn writer said it well:

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I'd rather be led by His nail pierced hand.

On today's, "Calling For Truth" Radio Program, we will continue our monthly practice of reviewing on Puritan paperback. This month, we have been reading "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment". During the program we will again be joined by Internet Blogger Timmy Brister.

Additionally, Phil Simpson, who is currently writing a biography on Jeremiah Burroughs, will be joining the conversation.