Seeds For Thinking

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Scripture: Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . . . “ Philippians 4:11b, NIV
I must admit that I have difficulty associating Paul with a lackadaisical attitude toward anything. His writings, and those of Luke in the Book of Acts, seem to describe a man of action in both word and deed. As Saul the student, he reacted strongly and decisively toward what he perceived to be a corruption of God’s laws and customs. He was not only “breathing out murderous threats” against those who were following The Way, but took action by going to the high priest to obtain authority to take both men and women prisoner, and bring them to trial for their perceived apostasy. (Acts 9:1-2)
Paul and Barnabas had such a “sharp disagreement” concerning John Mark that they parted company, Paul taking Silas, and Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus. (Acts 15:36-41.
No, Paul did not laze back in matters of faith, practice, or belief and let what ever condition he saw slide by without concern. He spoke out, and put his concerns into actions.
What, then, is Paul talking about when he says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” in Philippians 4:11?
This is another instance where we can not take the word out of context. Paul is explaining that he is willing to accept the situation in which he finds himself as an opportunity to serve God, without consideration of payment or physical amenities. He was not giving priority to things that would merely contribute to his comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. In fact, the Living Bible translates Paul’s words here as, “I have learned to get along happily whether I have much or little.” Take time to read the full passage of Philippians 4:10-20. He is thanking the church at Philippi for their previous aid and gifts, and is explaining that he had not written them seeking monetary support, but to share the Word with them, and bolster their faith in what ever way he could.
We need to examine our own lives and thoughts and see if we can relate to Paul’s words. It is sometimes difficult to accept the cross we have been given to carry, to endure the thorns to reach the fruit. We seek things that would merely contribute to comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. The irritations of life take our focus from the vision of serving the One who gave His all for us.
Consider that we may have been placed where we are because God has a task for us there. Look at what we have an opportunity to accomplish, not at what we have not. It may be possible - just possible - that we have been placed with that irritating associate, the demanding boss, the fractionous situation not to bristle, but to bloom, not to be comfortable, but to be Christlike.
December 7, 2003

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Scripture: Jesus said, “I you have faith as small as a mustard seed, . . . nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 , NIV

Baking a pie is easy! You just need to get the materials, a recipe, and follow instructions. Right? NO!?
And - Hey! Anybody can repair a gasoline engine. Just need some tools, and dig in. No, again?
But of course anybody can do those things - if you have one important item. Experience!! And knowledge, of course, but much knowledge comes through experience. Hands-on, do-it to-it, make mistakes and move on experience.
Some things are automatic, such as breathing and the heart beating. Walking? Gotta practice! Talking? Humans are ‘wired’ for talking early in development, but it takes time and exposure to talking people before a child puts something together other than babble.
One thing about children, though, they are eager to try most anything. Not so for adults, as adults usually are VERY reluctant to try something with which they are not familiar. Children, up to the age when they become self-conscious about looking silly, will sit down at the computer, or make a stab at getting some sound to come out of a musical instrument. I’ve known of adults who can easily bake a scrumptious pie, or strip down and reassemble engines, dissolve into a pile of jelly at the very thought of having to set the clock on a video tape recorder. I’ve heard of people who stick a piece of tape over that flashing “12:00” - Out of sight, out of mind.
There is one very, very important factor in all this talk about experience. First, we have to WANT to learn how to bake a pie or repair an engine, operate a computer or play a musical instrument. We have to acknowledge that we are starting with zero-zip-zilch experience, but are willing to learn. And we have to have a teacher! An experienced, knowledgeable teacher.
Think you can’t do any of those things on your “can’t do/won’t do” list? You are never too old to learn and never too young to teach. PRAY that you be found willing to do both, and that the Spirit helps you, as Jesus promised.
Talk to non-Christians about heaven. Ask them if they know Jesus. Invite them to church. Watch their faces; watch for the excuses, the denials to start.
This is where you find out how good a teacher you are. Can you assure them, interest them, lead them? Is your life such that they can see God’s message radiating from your life?
Endeavor now, before time slips away, to try something new. You may confound your doubting friends, amaze yourself, and make God say, “See, I have given you powers you didn’t even realize you had.”
November 17, 2002

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Scripture: Jesus said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Mt. 6:20, NIV

The secret of hitting a moving target is to aim at where it will be, not at where it is at the moment. The knack of calculating the speed of the target, the distance, and even the force of the wind served the early settlers of our country well as they sought to feed their families on the abundant wild game in pioneer territory. Hunters like Daniel Boone, moving into the area of Kentucky, gave the technique the name of “Kentucky Windage.”
Annie Oakley, ‘Little Miss Sureshot,’ also started hunting to help support her family in southern Ohio. She used her prowess at hitting the target to thrill audiences at Buffalo Bill’s “Wild West Shows” by breaking glass balls tossed into the air.
Hitting the target today for most people means getting in the right lane in time so as not to miss the exit you want. Except in athletics.
The game of football pushes the technique to a whole new dimension. It seems rather strange to throw a ball at an area of the field where there are no players at the moment. The quarterback has to throw at where the receiver will be, hoping that a member of the opposing team will not be there as well. (Daniel and Annie seldom had to worry about someone trying to tackle them while they were aiming and firing.) Too high or low, too soon or too late - too bad! Incomplete pass or interception. Success comes with planning what everyone is supposed to do long before the game starts. And practice, practice, practice!
In short, whatever the endeavor, the important thing is to plan ahead. Keep your eye on the target, and don’t let anything distract you.
The Bible has much advice for those who would aim for heaven. Both John The Baptist and Jesus preached repentance. That means getting everything in order to ‘hit the target.’ No mere game with bragging rights! This is forever, for eternity. Heaven or Hell.
“Repent” means to turn toward God, and away from things that would make you ‘miss the mark.’ “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
It is a harsh saying, but Jesus’ advice to pluck out and throw away that which causes you to sin (Mt. 18:9 ) is not unlike a coach telling the quarterback to eliminate bad habits, focus, and keep with the game plan.
Paul used examples from athletics, especially in his letter to the Corinthians (1Co. 9:24-27) “Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
The successful Christian goes into “strict training.” Avoid sin in all things. Aim at where you want to be (heaven) and practice, practice, practice!
November 10, 2002