HAVE WE LEARNED?

Growing up, is much more than mere physical growth. Anyone can, and will grow, physically. There is nothing much to invest in, except to have proper food, on a daily basis. Growing up, in the sense of leaning, is an important aspect of life and living. Learning something is not just gaining the knowledge about something, but the gaining the wisdom of HOW to use it; WHEN to use it; and WHY to use it.

The apostle Paul, writing to the Christians of the early Church, at Philippi, makes an observation, which should help us learn an important lesson for our life. He is writing in the context of the Philippian Christians, coming forward to financially assist Paul.
– “10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” – Philippians 4:10-12

In the above three verses, Paul uses the words, “I have learned” twice, and “I know how” once. Effectively, Paul is saying three times, in the space of three verses, that he has learned something, very crucial, in his life. What is it that Paul has learnt? Why is it important for us as Christians, today?

Paul has learnt to be content in his life. This is a critical lesson to learn, in anyone’s life. What Paul says here is, not so much about accepting our financial situation, and resigning ourselves to it. Nay, what Paul demonstrates here is, his perspective, his attitude and his mindset – to be content with whatever he has.

Secondly, which forms the foundation of such a perspective, attitude and mindset. Without actually saying it, Paul says that, he is not disturbed, worried, tensed, concerned or stressed about anything in life. Especially, his financial stability and provision. This is because, Paul trusts God, to provide all his needs. When one trusts God Almighty to provide all his needs, then the question of worry should not arise. Isn’t it so? 

We learn about Paul’s trust in God’s ability, to meet all his needs, from this very same chapter. Just preceding to the text for our meditation, Paul makes it abundantly clear about the source of his strength, to hold on, in the face of ups and downs in life.
– “6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Our joy and peace in life is not in the abundance of things we possess. Our joy and peace in life is in, God our Provider, and in Him alone.
– “25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?…27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin…30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:25,27-28,30-33

What about us? What concerns run in our hearts and minds? What kind of thoughts take precedence in our lives? What role does our faith and trust, in God’s ability to provide, play in our needs, necessities and struggles? Are we worried, stressed, troubled, disturbed and concerned? Trust God to meet all our needs. Let us learn to be content, as Paul says – “…I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Unless we learn this, we will not grow up into a matured Christian, walking steadily and securely on the ‘Narrow Path.’ Even so, the LORD help us.