"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:11-13
So very often, we who would follow Jesus find ourselves distracted by the things of the world. It is so very easy to confuse want with need. Even worse, when we are unable to get what we want (or think we want), we sometimes wear our stoic courage as a bright, shining badge of honor. "Oooo, look at me, I'm doing without, aren't I just the lovable little Christian."
Paul, the apostle who would have easily the most bonus points for extended stays at the "Motel Prison" chain in the Roman Empire, had a few words about want, need and us.
First he says, "I'm not talking out of want." He desires that we take note, right up front, that his wants are of zero importance to what he is about to teach us.
He continues, "I have learned that, no matter what situation I'm in, to be content with it." He doesn't say to ACT content, or to SAY he's contented. He says to BE content with it.
This means some basic thoughts have to be changed in the life of a Christian. First, completely against what some would have you believe, there is NO promise of a rich, healthy life for a Christian. There is the promise that everything will be for the better of the Christian, but that doesn't mean earthly wealth, lifestyle success or temporal health. In fact, being better for a child of God could very easily mean death, as that would send you straight to the arms of Jesus. Or, it could mean the total loss of income. This might drive you into a new job, a new town, a deeper reliance on God's mercy. We just don't know. But, Paul didn't need to know the details. He knew the basics--God will do what's best for His children, so be content.
He goes on to say, "I know how to be humble and I know how to be over the top in all places and in all things. I know how to be gorged and I know how to be starved, to have abundance and to suffer need."
So, do you think Paul is trying to cover all the bases with his teachings? Sure seems so. He is emphatically pointing out that there is nowhere that is off the map when it comes to being content in the situation and circumstance that God places you in.
So, does Paul tell us of how we can be like him in being patient, content, happy with our situation. He sure does:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." But, allow me to throw some Greek at you, which might show some depth to his words.
Paul, the apostle who would have easily the most bonus points for extended stays at the "Motel Prison" chain in the Roman Empire, had a few words about want, need and us.
First he says, "I'm not talking out of want." He desires that we take note, right up front, that his wants are of zero importance to what he is about to teach us.
He continues, "I have learned that, no matter what situation I'm in, to be content with it." He doesn't say to ACT content, or to SAY he's contented. He says to BE content with it.
This means some basic thoughts have to be changed in the life of a Christian. First, completely against what some would have you believe, there is NO promise of a rich, healthy life for a Christian. There is the promise that everything will be for the better of the Christian, but that doesn't mean earthly wealth, lifestyle success or temporal health. In fact, being better for a child of God could very easily mean death, as that would send you straight to the arms of Jesus. Or, it could mean the total loss of income. This might drive you into a new job, a new town, a deeper reliance on God's mercy. We just don't know. But, Paul didn't need to know the details. He knew the basics--God will do what's best for His children, so be content.
He goes on to say, "I know how to be humble and I know how to be over the top in all places and in all things. I know how to be gorged and I know how to be starved, to have abundance and to suffer need."
So, do you think Paul is trying to cover all the bases with his teachings? Sure seems so. He is emphatically pointing out that there is nowhere that is off the map when it comes to being content in the situation and circumstance that God places you in.
So, does Paul tell us of how we can be like him in being patient, content, happy with our situation. He sure does:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." But, allow me to throw some Greek at you, which might show some depth to his words.
παντα ισχυω εν τω ενδυναμουντι με χριστω
Pas ischuo en ho endunamoo me Christos.
Pas ischuo en ho endunamoo me Christos.
Pas ischuo translates roughly to "I have the force to do everything." En ho endunamoo me Christos says "enabled(empowered) by the Christ." We are enabled to be content in all these situations by the power that comes from Jesus Christ.
We are to lean upon Jesus, to draw strength and power from Him, as we endure the highs and lows of everyday life. Only through Him can we find contentment in all things.
Grace and Peace....
We are to lean upon Jesus, to draw strength and power from Him, as we endure the highs and lows of everyday life. Only through Him can we find contentment in all things.
Grace and Peace....
