4月26日

標　　題： 知 足

經　　節： 我並不是因缺乏說這話；我無論在甚麼景況都可以知足，這是我已經學會了。（腓立比書四章11節）

世界鼓勵我們不要以當前的生活為滿足，我們不斷被炮轟、被說服要擁有更新、更好的生活，彷佛只要擁有它們就不枉此生！如果我們聽從世界的聲音，我們會不斷地與人比較生活時尚與財產多寡，並且我們總是不滿足。倘若我們的滿足創建在財產、活動和世人之上，這些人事物都可能被改變或挪去。然而，如果我們的滿足是創建在自己與基督的關係之上，我們的滿足是絕對不會被奪走的。

保羅曾享受人群的權力和地位，也曾被關進牢房、被拘禁及鞭打。他曾經站在王的面前，也曾經險遭暴民用石頭打死。保羅曾經享受生活的好處與樂趣，但他放棄一切所有，單單被神的喜樂所充滿。他的知足不是取決於環境，而是倚靠與基督的關係。

知足能使你自由地享受神賜予的所有美好事物。知足表露出你對神的信任，你相信神愛你，祂總為你的好處著想。不知足是由於不知感恩的罪，以及缺乏信心，相信神的大愛足以滿足一切所需。要為神所賜的一切心存感謝，感恩的心是沒有嫉妒的餘地。

Contentment

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (Philippians 4:11 NASB)

Our world promotes dissatisfaction with our lives. We are constantly bombarded with newer and better things that will make our lives more complete if only we would obtain them! If we listen to the world, we will always be comparing the lifestyles and possessions of others with our own, and we will always be dissatisfied. If our contentment comes from possessions, activities, or other people, these can be altered or removed. If our contentment comes from our relationship with Christ, there is absolutely nothing that can take that away.

Paul had enjoyed power and status among his people. He had also been imprisoned and bound in stocks in the depths of a jail cell. He had stood before a king and been stoned almost to death by an angry mob. Paul had enjoyed the benefits and pleasures of life, yet he could give them all up and still be filled with the joy of the Lord. His contentment did not depend on his environment but on his relationship with Christ.

Contentment frees you to enjoy every good thing God has given you. Contentment demonstrates your belief that God loves you and has your best interest in mind. Discontent stems from the sin of ingratitude and a lack of faith that God loves you enough to provide for all that you need. Strive to be grateful for all that God has given you. A grateful heart has no room for envy.