“I’m
glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that
you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever
quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show
it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally.
I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.
I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with
little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or
hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I
can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I
don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It
was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.”
(Philippians 4:10-14, MSG)
Many
“well-meaning” Christians try to lure people into receiving
Christ by promising a prosperous life. Although the Gospel does
promise
us the good news of salvation from eternal damnation (and there is no
better news than that!), the falsehood that everything in life will
be prosperous is contrary to God's word. In fact, Christ promises
us, “Here
on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I
have overcome the world.” (John
16:33, TLB).
The
problem with the message of “prosperity” is that many Christian
circles use it as a means to compare lives (while pointing fingers)
and say, “If
you are in lack, then you MUST be doing something wrong!” To
bring such accusations is nonsense. This type of mindset really
comes from a pompous attitude. To think someone is righteous in
their own strength is arrogance. If you seemingly have a “perfect
life”, then it is by God's grace alone.
God
weeps and hurts with us when we go through struggles and trials of
every kind. This is the product of living in a fallen and sinful
world. However, it
is up to God
and His business alone in what areas we will (or will not)
“prosper” in.
Paul
had it right. Whether he had much or had little, it did not define
who he was; nor did it deter him from keeping the faith. Some
believers shame the rich, some shame the poor. Some believers accuse
the “little” faith of the sick, some accuse the faith to get
well. Whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, it should not bring
shame or arrogance. We as Christians must be stripped of
self-entitlements and learn how to be confident and content in all
circumstances.
To
be content,
simply means to be satisfied in wherever you are in your life today.
Even our trials can be turned for God's glory (and that's certainly
something to celebrate)! How about you? Where are you in your life
today? My hope is that we can be content and confident as Paul and
say, “I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with
little.”
