"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:"
Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)
Have you ever seen a chameleon changing colors? This is something a chameleon might do to for several reasons. Sometimes a chameleon will change color to blend into their environment as a means of camouflage, sometimes the color change is due to a change in temperature, and sometimes they change color as a way to signal their intentions to other chameleons. They can turn a brighter color to show aggression or a darker color to show submission. These color changes help the chameleon fit into their environment.
When we look at the life of the Apostle Paul, we can see that he had the ability to adapt to his environment. Paul was certainly not one to compromise, which we can see in the story where he confronted Peter (Galatians 2:11-14) or when he refused to take Mark with him on a second trip after Mark had quit during the first trip (Acts 15:36-40). Paul knew when to stand his ground for what he believed, but he also knew how to fit in and be content in whatever situation he found himself in.
Paul said that he had learned to be content in every state, in every condition. While Paul did not change his outer color to adapt, like a chameleon would, Paul was able to maintain an inner stability through Christ to be able to do what needed to be done in every situation. Paul's satisfaction was not based on outward conditions but on an inward connection to God. It is what the chameleon has on the inside, because of its nature, that it can change color. It is because of what we have on the inside, our new nature in Christ, that we can, like Paul, be content in every condition.
Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)
Have you ever seen a chameleon changing colors? This is something a chameleon might do to for several reasons. Sometimes a chameleon will change color to blend into their environment as a means of camouflage, sometimes the color change is due to a change in temperature, and sometimes they change color as a way to signal their intentions to other chameleons. They can turn a brighter color to show aggression or a darker color to show submission. These color changes help the chameleon fit into their environment.
When we look at the life of the Apostle Paul, we can see that he had the ability to adapt to his environment. Paul was certainly not one to compromise, which we can see in the story where he confronted Peter (Galatians 2:11-14) or when he refused to take Mark with him on a second trip after Mark had quit during the first trip (Acts 15:36-40). Paul knew when to stand his ground for what he believed, but he also knew how to fit in and be content in whatever situation he found himself in.
Paul said that he had learned to be content in every state, in every condition. While Paul did not change his outer color to adapt, like a chameleon would, Paul was able to maintain an inner stability through Christ to be able to do what needed to be done in every situation. Paul's satisfaction was not based on outward conditions but on an inward connection to God. It is what the chameleon has on the inside, because of its nature, that it can change color. It is because of what we have on the inside, our new nature in Christ, that we can, like Paul, be content in every condition.
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