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. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
I must confess that I love being comfortable. A cozy fire, a warm cup of coffee, a good book, and a soft blanket are some of my favorite things. Comfort has its place, and while there is nothing inherently wrong with being comfortable, comfort can hold us back if we are not careful. After all, If I spend all day drinking coffee and reading a good book under a blanket, I will not be motivated to be productive with my day. Even worse, it may keep me from making Christ known to those around me. The truth is, as Christ’s followers, you and I are often called to let go of our comfort and follow Him.
The apostle Paul is a prime example for all of us of someone who prioritized sharing His faith in Christ over his own comfort. He endured danger, persecution, beatings, and many near-death experiences as a direct result of telling anyone who would listen about Christ. In Philippians 4, we find Paul reflecting on the things that he had endured. “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything,” he writes (verse 12). What was his conclusion? After living in poverty, wealth, imprisonment, persecution, and much more, he confidently declared, “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Through the good times, the bad times, the pain, and the sorrow he faced, Paul found his strength, contentment, joy, and confidence in Christ. Even more, he knew that making Christ known throughout the world was more important than his own comfort.
Paul’s secret of living in every situation is the same secret for us today. We can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength. It is the same secret for the children in our lives as well. On the best days and on the worst days, God sustains us. He calls us to stop living for our own comfort and walks with us through the trials, difficulties, and unknowns. The promise is that we can do everything, face everything, and walk through everything with Him. He is with us always.
If we want to make a contribution with our lives, then we must not let our own desire for comfort hold us back from making an impact for Christ. We must also teach our children to look past their own comfort, as well. Remember, whatever you face in your life, with Christ, you can do all things because He is your strength.
Take some time to work through the homework we were challenged with this weekend. Take out a piece of paper or open up your computer and complete the following statement: I am here on this earth to… then fill in the blank. When you are done, share it with your kids or the children within your influence and then have them do the same. The hope is that we can move from being comfortable to living a life that takes risks as we make Christ known.
Read Philippians 4:1-20 (NLT)
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 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. 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.
As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
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