This morning I was late getting out the door. It’s also the first morning where there was ice on my windshield, and my truck does not have a heat setting. I wasn’t frustrated, though I thought I would be. I scraped off the frost, did my best to see through a fogged glass, and safely made it to work. I have learned to be content. Few things I own have been purchased new, and I am pleased to say that I don’t have payments I can’t afford to drive my truck (regularly) less than a mile one way to and from the office. I sometimes do get envious of what others have: I see them post their vacations, new vehicles, new homes and such on social media, and I quote the Beach Boys by saying “wouldn’t it be nice.”
Then I realize that I am three years from paying down my debt completely (before student loans), less if I can manage it, I have a wife and children who love me, a church family that supports me, and overall, I am blessed beyond what I deserve. Beyond all of this, I am free from the burdens of this life, because my Savior lived, died and rose again. Things come and go. It’s not bad to want and work for nice things, but they won’t remain that way forever. Life is both brief and temporary. Things are even more so. This is why I must live for what matters. So I live for Christ. I live for Him in what He has given me, blessed, and content. I can be content in much and in little, because I know I have Him.
Too often, loved ones, we want to live for bigger, better, and more. When our life is demanded of us, what then? Everything we work for is left behind, left to those who will do what they will with it, and we must give an account of our lives before our Creator. What did we do with what we were given? Did we spend it on ourselves, or did we seek His glory?
Philippians 4
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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