What are your circumstances?

1 Phil 4:10-19 - Brothers and sisters: I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you revived your concern for me. You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity. Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

You Philippians indeed know that at the beginning of the Gospel, when I left Macedonia,
not a single church shared with me in an account of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was at Thessalonica you sent me something for my needs, not only once but more than once. It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account. I have received full payment and I abound.

I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus,
"a fragrant aroma," an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 

Thoughts: This is something I have thought about for years. Namely, that I need to approach life with humility, allowing people to care for me. For in allowing others to care and do for me, I give them the opportunity to be strengthened through serving others. 

For example, some friends serve food for others on Wednesday nights at the church. Can I make food myself? Yes, I am fully able to take care of myself, but allowing myself to be taken care of by others gives them the opportunity to build up their spiritual strength. St. Paul also writes about humbly and joyfully living within your circumstances. 

There will be times that you live in abundance. These are the times when everything seems to be going right. We are to rejoice in those times and be glad. Too often, I want to be ashamed and I feel guilty when things are going good. Like I don't deserve it because everyone around me is not in the same state.

At other times, you may be experiencing hardship; again we are to rejoice that God is with us at these times also. It is how we react at these times that give true witness to the life of Christ in us. However, this does not mean that I need to assume others hardships. I can be helpful and supportive but others crosses have been given to them to carry. We each must carry our own cross. The one that was given to us to carry.

Question: How do you deal with abundance? hardship?

Have Fun, But Don't Get Caught

Philippians 2:12-18 - My beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work. Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the work of life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But, even if I am poured out as a libation upon the sacrificial service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with all of you. In the same way you also should rejoice and share your joy with me. 

Thoughts: Paul speaks to the Philippians with apparent joy as he is finding them prospering in the faith. A True sign of faith and obedience is when one is obedient when no one is around to catch them. How often I used to fall into sin when no one was around, when no one could catch me. I deceived myself into believing that it was OK because no one knew about my sinfulness. But God who knows all always knew and always called me back. 

I was really good at hiding my sinfulness. I lived in a world of shame and guilt. But God is good and persistent. Christ now works in me, giving both the desire and call to serve Him. If the grace of God can work in someone like me then he can also work mighty deeds in you. 

I now find myself, not only with the ability but also the desire to do the work of God for His glory. The world we live in is one full of grumblers and complainers. It is so pervasive in our world that we now consider it normal. But God calls to us to be of the eternal not the earthly. In the heavenly kingdom there is no need to complain or grumble and we are called to bring a view of heaven to earth through our lives, living in the joy that can only come from our relationship with our Creator. 

If God is so concerned with our joy that He would go to great lengths to offer it to us then we have an obligation to share that joy with all that we come in contact with. Paul in the end of the reading above reiterates that fact in his statement that we are to share our joy and triumphs in Christ with all both the downfallen and our fellow followers that we can all be strengthened by each other.