Philippians 4.11-13
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
In this passage the apostle emphasizes two critical pillars of authentic Christianity:
1) Learning to be content in any situation.
2) Trusting God’s strength so you are able to do all the things your journey requires of you.
To live an authentic Christian life —that is, to live in response to the decisive call of Jesus — means to live by vision, not circumstance. It is the discipline to understand the current situation, and then focus beyond the situation to the goal you are seeking to achieve, and the mission the Lord has called you to fulfill.
Living by vision means taking the time to understand the realities and constraints you face, and then tapping into the power of Jesus in order to take purposeful, persistent action to fulfill your mission. Do not allow circumstances to distract you or discourage you. Waste no time or energy complaining. Invest in doing and solving.
At the heart of this mindset is faith in who God is, what God has promised, and what God has spoken in his word.
In the course of my work, I see people all the time who live by circumstance, not by vision. They put more energy into complaining about events than they do working to achieve the outcome they claim to be pursuing. They are so fixated on circumstances that they have lost sight of the mission.
This is particularly relevant for Christians, because too many believers tend to be preoccupied with circumstances. This was not the way the apostle Paul lived his life. Paul lived by vision, not circumstance. No matter what situation he faced, Paul trusted God and persistently and passionately pursued his mission. He saw himself and the situations he faced through the lens of God’s purpose and power in his life.
How do you live your life? Are you clear about the mission to which the Lord calls you? Do you allow circumstances to distract and discourage you, or do you look at yourself and the situations you face through the lens of God’s purpose and power in your life?
The Lord is calling.
