Week 25, Days 1 & 2 June 20-21, 2022 Scripture; Philippians 3-4 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) It is difficult to live a life of contentment. Paul earlier in chapter 4 teaches us that he knows what it is to have needs, as well as to have plenty. Through all the trials of his life, he has learned the art of contentment. It is through Christ and his power that it is possible. I figure I still have a long way to go in this regard. I can often think of the countless things that I am missing. I suppose we all can struggle with the enemies of contentment; greed, loneliness, contempt, bitterness, envy. We play the comparison game and it kills contentment. In the age of affluence and influence, how much is enough? Will I ever be satisfied? Will I ever feel complete? Will I have enough money? Will I have enough friends? Accolades? Will my life ever have a sense of completion? These are the questions that run around in my head, and I am sure I am good company with everyone reading this. How much is enough? Well, like a balm for the soul, “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” That’s Paul’s word for the faithful, generous, loving people in Philippi. They gave and supported Him, maybe we should follow their lead. Live generously, walk humbly, and trust in the Lord. Paul learned contentment, even in prison. I heard or read recently, that Philippians is possibly the happiest of Paul’s letters, and it’s written in some of the most dire of circumstances. This is what it is to have all our needs met in Christ. Despite not having enough, Paul clearly knows Christ is truly all we need. He can do all things through Christ, who gives him the strength.
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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