In Need or Plenty

Good Morning,

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

This short section of Scripture is mostly known for the words in verse 13, "I can do everything through Him who strengthens me." Some translations read, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." These are, I agree, extremely powerful and meaningful words. The thought, the concept, in these words is more than wonderful. We can, truly, do so very much when we call on Jesus to be with us and help us.

But, you know what? For whatever reason, we tend not to notice the verses which precede this more famous verse. Let's take a look at them..."I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed of hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." These words, thoughts, and concepts are so very, very powerful...if we will understand them and learn from them.

Paul, you see, knew the concept and fully understood the idea of ENOUGH. Unfortunately, too many of us have not, or at least we sure don't live that way. Paul had "enough" when he was living in plenty and was well fed. Of course, that's pretty easy, isn't it? He also knew he had "enough" when he was in need and even hungry. He learned to be "content whatever the circumstances" that he found himself in.

We, living in this 21st century, for the most part don't have even the vaguest concept of "enough." No matter what our circumstances or what state our finances are in, we still tend to strive for and seek more. To what end? Simply to have it? To get more things? The reasons (excuses?) we use for sometimes extraordinary efforts to obtain more are not the issue really, because we can think of hundreds of "reasons"...maybe even thousands, it seems.

No, the issue at hand is the fact that we are so unlike what Paul is talking about. The issue is being satisfied and content with what the Lord has provided for us. Now, this doesn't mean that ALL of us don't have this basic understanding of being truly at peace in where we find ourselves. There are some of us who truly are fully gratified and happy with wherever we might be at any given point in time. There are, however, many of us who have never really been able to say that. And, it's to those who struggle and fight and toil for more, more, more, that I think Paul's words are directed. God is telling us through these words that we need to step back and really look at what we have, what He has provided, and be truly content.

That does NOT mean that we shouldn't work to better our situation. That's NOT what this is about. This ISN'T a "poverty ministry" that's being preached. Not at all! All we're saying here is that we need not to let the want of more and more to overtake our lives and that we need to learn to be happy and content no matter where we might be at any particular time. There is a fine line sometimes between just putting in a bit more effort to be able to better our situations and being consumed with the desire and need for more...simply to have it.

Simply put we need to be a bit more like Paul. "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." If we can learn this lesson and truly put this idea firmly into our hearts and minds, I believe that we will be much, much happier people.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David