Good Morning,
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” Philippians 4:12
We often use the phrase “I can live with that.” I wonder if we would really mean that when it comes to the material things that we have become so accustomed to in this world. No doubt it would be hard to lose a lot or even to start over. That is why I am so amazed at Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:12.
Paul said he could live on almost nothing or have plenty. In fact, he goes on to say that he has the learned the secret to doing so. Most people love to know secrets because of our curious nature. This is especially true when it comes to knowing Paul’s secret of how to be content with very little or a lot.
I think to know his secret we have to read the two verses that follow in Philippians 4.“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.” Philippians 4:13-14. I believe Paul’s secret was that he believed in the sufficiency of Christ in his life. At the end of the day, Paul believed that Christ is all powerful and he allowed Christ to live through him. Paul knew that he alone did not have the strength to meet the challenges of life with joy. He knew that the strength of Christ makes it possible to face the challenges of this life and flourish.
We need to settle this same belief and trust in our hearts today. As followers of Jesus, we need to trust and believe in Him and acknowledge that He is enough for anything we encounter. If not, the smallest things will wear us down. I remember years ago reading a Winnie the Pooh book to one of my girls when they were young. There was a line in the book that caught my attention. Now, granted, Winnie the Pooh has never been known as a great philosopher but I loved the following statement.
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts.”
That is such a true statement. More than that, not living with the sufficiency of Christ as Paul did is discouraging, as these small things will dominate our lives. It is time for us to not only learn the secret but to live it out daily. My prayer is that this secret will change your life!
Have a great day!
Rick Calloway
Head of School
Metrolina Christian Academy
