Contentment doesn't come naturally to us. Just as weeds grow without effort, so do covetousness, discontent, and complaining thrive in us. We don't need lessons to grumble; it happens all too easily. But the valuable things, like wheat and flowers, need care and attention. Contentment is a heavenly flower that must be carefully nurtured. It's not innate; only our new nature through Christ can grow it. Even then, we must watchfully sustain the grace God has planted within us.

Paul admitted, "I've learned to be content," suggesting he had once struggled with it. He likely stumbled many times before mastering it. When he finally declared contentment in all situations, he was an old man in prison, about to meet his end. We'd do well to share his hardships if, in doing so, we gain his deep sense of contentment.

Don't think you can be content without learning or that it's natural. It's a skill to be developed over time. Brother, quiet that instinctive murmur and remain a diligent student at the College of Contentment.