Charlie and Vicki Moffitt

Scripture

Philippians 4:12-13

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:12-13

Charlie Moffitt’s favorite verse

LESSON:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

What does it mean to be content?

To be Content means to be satisfied and happy with what you have and who you are. It means you are thankful and grateful for what you have and not worried or complaining about what you don’t have.

1. What causes most of your fights with your brother, sister, or friends?
2. Why do you think this is? (Most arguments are caused by either: 1. they have something I want,   I want them to do something for me)

We see what someone else has and think, “Wow, I want that too. They are so happy because they have _____________.”

Can you think of something you really wanted for your Birthday or Christmas?  (maybe a video game or a toy)   Are you still playing with it? Did it make you as happy as you thought?

We have many examples in the Bible of people who were not content. The Israelites in the desert were not content with manna, they wanted meat. They complained to Moses over and over and even asked to go back into slavery! Jonah complained to God about saving the wicked city of Ninevah. Naaman complained about washing in the Jordan River. Adam and Eve were not content with all the abundance of the Garden of Eden, but chose instead to eat of the one tree that they were forbidden to eat from.

Most of the time we associate not being content with being in need or want of something. It is interesting that Paul says we can be well-fed and living ‘in plenty’ but not be satisfied. When we have everything we need or want, we tend to forget God and trust in ourselves. However, when we are in need of basic necessities, we tend to worry and not let God provide for our needs.

What is Paul’s secret for being content?

In verse 13, we learn Paul’s secret. It is because of Christ that he is content. He can do “all things,” all the things God asks of him, through Jesus.

Paul says twice in Philippians 4:11-12, that he has LEARNED to be content. In other words, it didn’t come naturally.

What is something new you have just learned to do?                                                                                       

How did you learn this new thing?                                                                                                                                

 How long did it take you to get good at it?                                                                                                                   

Did it take a lot of practice?

We are going to practice being content with a game called “Keepin’ the Clothespins.”

Each family member will need 5 clothespins. Attach the clothespins to the bottom hem of your shirt. Every time you hear someone complaining or grumbling, they have to give you a clothespin! At the end of the day whoever has 5 or 4 clothespins gets a special treat!  Adults can play this game too!

Variations:

Set a time limit (2-4 hours) so younger children can have some success!

Give kids a second chance! If you have asked your son to do something and he complains about it, say “Would you like to do this job cheerfully or would you like to give me a clothespin?”

Adult Variation:  As adults we have learned to ‘criticize inwardly.’  Whenever you catch yourself complaining or grumbling to yourself, take one of your own clothespins. See how long you can go before you lose all your clothespins!

Don’t get discouraged! Remember, Contentment does not come naturally. It is only with the supernatural indwelling of Christ that we can learn to be content in all situations.

(Game found on ‘Character Challenge’ by Laurie Christine)