The Greatest Lesson!
By: Reverend J. Loren Russell
Philippians 4:8-13
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What will it take for you to be content; to live in a state of happiness and satisfaction? I guess the answer to that question depends on your world view. Some live in a fantasy where they think winning the lottery would do just fine. Others fantasize about climbing the corporate ladder or getting a big raise. Still others think the right man, or the right woman will bring them the contentment they crave. Maybe moving into a new neighborhood or the house of their dreams. The size and scope of your definition of contentment will depend on how you view the world.
Paul puts forth a different perspective because his world view was shaped by his “sky view.” He was no longer basing his contentment on earthly, creature comforts, but on those things that were inspired by God. Paul said “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy.” He went on to say that it wasn’t the material things the Philippians shared with him that bought him a sense of contentment, although he appreciated every gift.
Paul says the things that were given to him were nice, but he learned one of his greatest lessons when he learned how to be content in whatever state he was in. It didn’t matter if he had material things or not, prosperous or in need, hungry or full, in agony or ecstasy, Paul learned how to be content in any and every situation. He learned from his “sky view” that whatever he needed to do, wanted to do, had to do, he could do through Christ who strengthens him.
In verse nine, Paul tells his readers “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” That’s before he tells them about one of the greatest lessons he ever learned in verse eleven, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
If we, as readers of this letter to the Philippian church, follow the example Paul gave, we will be able to proudly proclaim that we have also learned one of the greatest lessons that was taught; be content with whatever state you are in.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of both LaGree Baptist Church and the Evangelical Church of God, all in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096), and is the creator and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ the Matters of Faith YouTube Channel. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177.
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