In Abundance and in Need

Carved into wooden plaques, sewn into Bible covers, printed on posters, and taped to mirrors, this familiar verse is often committed to memory:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

—Philippians 4:13 (NASB95)

All too often this passage has been quoted in sermons and books to encourage a positive attitude. It has been used to tell us that we can reach new heights and accomplish great things for the Lord: Success through Jesus.

There is nothing wrong with keeping a positive attitude or being a part of a great effort for the Lord, but I’m quite sure that was not the point.

The Apostle Paul had expressed gratitude to the Christians in Philippi for their generosity. He told them that he was not speaking out of a sense of need, because he had learned the secret of contentment in all circumstance in life.

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.

—Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

Contentment is rare in our society. I’m not sure folks have learned how to live in difficult times or in prosperity.

You see, this verse is not about soaring with the eagles with success through Christ. Rather, it is about survival. It calls our attention to the One who provides us strength when our circumstances change for bad or for good. The central thought is that our external circumstances do not provide meaning in life. Our circumstances do not have to rule over us. Yet, many people, even Christians, live in the past as if those really were better days, or they live in the future, never content with their current situation.

Remember the words of Solomon:

There is a time for every event under heaven:

A time to give birth and a time to die;

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to keep and a time to throw away;

A time for war and a time for peace.

(Excerpts from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Circumstances in life change and we should not be surprised. Our hope is in Christ, and our eyes should be trained toward eternity.

Some Christians have learned this valuable lesson of contentment. They know that difficult circumstances do not define them. They remain loyal to Jesus when circumstances take a turn for the worse. They give their anxiety to God. However, there is more to contentment. The Apostle Paul was content, not only in difficult circumstances, but also in times of plenty.

By way of example, ancient Israel often turned to idolatry during times of peace and prosperity. (Read Deuteronomy 8 or the book of Judges.) We should also recognize just how vulnerable we are in times of prosperity. It is then that we can easily fall to the deceptive and alluring ways of this world. For that reason, it is equally important to learn how trust in Jesus and honor God’s instruction in times of peace and prosperity, when things seem to be going our way.

May we find the strength of contentment in Jesus, both in times of need and in times of peace and prosperity.

Mark Stinnett

April 28, 2024