Paul had learned to be content in any situation in which God had placed him. We should follow Paul's example and be content in every situation we find our selves in and with whatever talents He has or has not given us. Paul expresses his independence from external circumstances, this was only because he was dependent upon God alone. God does 'put us down' at times, are we content in those situations? Are we focused correctly when we are in a state of 'abounding'?