Passage for Reflection: Philippians 4:10-15
My wife and I reside in a beautiful home with ample room for everyday living and to provide hospitality for guests. Last week a larger house across the street was listed for sale. How might our life change if we had 20% more square feet?
I serve a ministry supported by many generous individuals and congregations. Recently I was contacted by a determined headhunter. She attempted to lure me with the promise of financial security, “How much more compensation would convince me to continue the conversation?”
The call to more is relentless, but the successful life isn’t measured by acquiring more things (or more space to store those things) or climbing higher on a ladder. The good life isn’t determined by external forces, which means it doesn’t shift during seasons of hardship or times of abundance. The life of faith is about knowing who you are and whose you are. It is a life of abiding contentment.
Paul put it this way: I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. (Philippians 4:11b-12)
Over twenty-five years of marriage my wife and I have called a number of places home and I’ve served a number of ministries. We’ve endured some challenging seasons and experienced some times of relative ease. Through it all, we’ve remained content. through it all, I’ve given thanks that I’m secure in my identity.
Join me in reaffirming your identity in Christ. Will you recommit to trusting in your ability to do all things through Jesus – the one who continually strengthens us (Philippians 4:13)?
This post was originally published in the Lectionary for Life Series for the Center for Congregational Ethics on August 3, 2023.