Philippians 4:10-14 Philippian Generosity 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. In 1 Corinthians 9:11-18, Paul said he didn’t accept gifts from the Corinthian church because he didn’t want to be accused of preaching only to get money. But Paul maintained that it was a church’s responsibility to support God’s ministers (1 Corinthians 9:14). Here he accepted the Philippians’ gift because they gave it willingly and he was in need. Are you content in any situation you face? Paul knew how to be content whether he had much or little. The secret was drawing upon Christ’s power for strength. Do you have great needs, or are you discontented because you don’t have what you want? Learn to rely on God’s promises and Christ’s power to help you be content. If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every situation. He will supply all your needs, but in a way that He knows is best for you. Paul was content because he could see life from God’s point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. He had his priorities straight and was grateful for everything God had given him. He detached himself from nonessentials so that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in one’s life. To what are you drawn when you feel empty inside? How can you find true contentment? The answer lies in your perspective, your priorities, and your source of power. Thomas Jefferson: “It behooves you, therefore, to think and act for yourself and your people. The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every reader; to pursue them requires not the aid of many counselors. The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.” – (1774). A Summary of the View of the Rights of British America. Williamsburg: Clementina Rind, p. 20.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 08:47:16 +0000
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