The icing on the cake...

Philippians 4:10-20 (ESV):

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Somehow the context surrounding the well-known verse 13 (last sentence of the first paragraph) strikes me.

Paul rejoices in the Philippians' concern, even though He's learned the secret to contentment. Seems possible to be blessed with community without viewing it as an essential ingredient for ultimate contentment. Look at the word following verse 13: yet. Paul's knowledge of the secret didn't rob him of his appreciation of their kindness in bearing his burden. And isn't it interesting that the great Paul, when leaving Macedonia, only had partnership ("in giving and receiving" [15]) with just the Philippians and no other church. Perhaps he felt isolated from the other churches; perhaps not. In any case, it's just neat how Paul highly regarded the community of believers at Philippi, even though He knew the secret to contentment. Why not enjoy the icing (community) on the cake (contentment in Christ)? Just hopefully God will cause us to not look to the icing alone to fill the stomach, and, when we do, cause a sweets sickness or longing for the real thing rather than for the filling that provides temporary pseudo-contentment...