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Philippians 4:11-13 – A Conversation about a Dream
A Conversation about a Dream
HIM: “I’m just waiting on my dream to be fulfilled.”
ME: “What’s that?”
HIM: “Where I don’t have to ask anyone for anything. I can just lay down the money and get what I need or what someone else needs. What is better than abundance?”
ME: “Contentment.”
HIM: “What’s that?”
ME: “Paul said he learned to be content whether having an abundance or being in need. That’s where he famously said, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. He’s not saying he can accomplish goals he set, such as is often the misuse of that text.”
HIM: “That’s good. So we should be content until we get what we want.”
ME: “No. Paul is not saying that. The point isn’t that we are patient while waiting for something better – after all, Paul said he learned to be content even in abundance. The point is, with Christ we can be satisfied regardless of our situation, with or without. Whether in abundance or in lack. Contentment isn’t just good enough until we get through the bad, but while we are in the bad or good. It isn’t about “getting through it”, but “being in it”. Contentment isn’t looking forward to something better coming, but being strong in Christ now, regardless of lack or abundance.”
HIM: “That’s good stuff.”
ME: “Well it isn’t original with me.”
May our dream be to learn contentment. Here’s the original expression of this misquoted ideal: Philippians 4:11-13 (CSB) 11) I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.12) I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13) I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.
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