Faith and friends
“God is all I need, but it’s nice to have good friends too.”
That’s how I would summarize the words of one of the New Testament authors and spiritual giant, the Apostle Paul, as he writes his letter to his friends in the city of Philippi. Paul is likely writing to them as a Roman prisoner due to his involvement in advancing the gospel message, where people weren’t quite ready to hear it yet. Jail is just one of the occupational hazards that came with being a gospel preacher back in Paul’s day. Nevertheless, Paul was at peace with his circumstances.
So, back to the opening sentence:
“God is all I need, but it’s nice to have good friends too.”
As you read a small portion of Paul’s prison letter, think about how this sentiment captures the essence of what Paul is wanting to communicate.
Paul writes: “How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:10-13)
In this passage, Paul expresses gratitude for the financial support from his friends in Philippi. They hadn’t been able to help him for a while, and Paul is thankful that they didn’t forget about him. But while he was waiting,
Paul had to make do with what he had and learn the difficult art of practicing contentment.
Notice how Paul gives his friends the benefit of the doubt. He didn’t assume the worst about them.
He didn’t say to himself, “What’s going on with them?” “How come they haven’t come to help me?” “I bet they forgot about me.” “I thought they cared about me?” Or “They’re not my friends.”
No, Paul believed the best about his friends. But he also knew that if he didn’t adjust his expectations, he might find himself discontent, impatient, frustrated, or even depressed.
So, he turned his attention elsewhere. He took his eyes off people, places, and things and put his eyes on the One he could depend on for help—Jesus. Not just once or twice when things got hard. No, he turned to Jesus enough times to master the art of contentment.
Paul could say, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” And “I have learned the secret of living in every situation.”
In prison, with no support, alone, hungry, and waiting, class was in session, and Paul didn’t miss a day. Paul learned valuable lessons in the school of hard knocks. But instead of getting bitter, Paul got better. He didn’t give up on relationships. He didn’t stop trusting people.
He didn’t become a rugged independent spirit that refused friendship because people aren’t always what we hope. He also didn’t depend on others to meet his ultimate needs. He didn’t rely on external things like people and circumstances to make him happy. Paul found the secret to contentment. He found a gushing well to drink from in the middle of every desert he encountered through Christ. His source of strength and contentment.
Have you ever been there before? Stuck? Waiting? Or not getting the expected support from friends or family you expected? Ever been tempted to give up on your relationships or turn away from God because things weren’t going your way? You’re not alone if you have.
Challenging times may tempt us to become discontent and impatient with God and the people around us. But keep in mind that every challenge is really an invitation to learn what Paul had to learn – the secret of being content in all circumstances.
What I love about this principle of contentment is that Paul models a simple life lesson we can all learn from: All you need is God, but it’s nice to have good friends too.
Make sure to leave room for both.
“MAN ALIVE! that fish is huge”! “MAN ALIVE!” when are we going to get home? “MAN ALIVE! I can’t take it any longer”. “MAN ALIVE! You are looking terrific”!
“MAN ALIVE” may be an expression used by some to describe a unique happening or episode in life. There is certainly a “MAN ALIVE” today who is also God come to rescue you from the hauntings of sin, death, and Hell. No other religion or philosophy on earth has the uncreated everlasting to everlasting God come into the flesh to live the perfect moral life, die the full and sin atoning death, and rise bodily from the grave. This Savior, the “MAN ALIVE”, is for you. He sought you when you sought Him not. He pardons your iniquities and heals your diseases. You and I are marred with a guilty conscience from sins A – Z. But
“MAN ALIVE,” He cancels all the guilt against you. You are adopted by the holy “MAN ALIVE”. The God-man Jesus will gladly receive you.
The peace He gives is beyond all understanding. “MAN ALIVE!” His resurrection is your guaranteed victory over the grave. “MAN ALIVE!” He is coming again not to judge believers by their deeds done or undone, but by His marvelous “MAN ALIVE” grace. Easter is God’s great antidote to fear, frustration, and future destiny. “MAN ALIVE,” let us worship together. See you Sunday.
(Grace Lutheran Church is located at 711 N. Fowler St., Bishop. Sunday services are at 10:45 a.m. Mammoth Lakes Lutheran Church is located at 379 Old Mammoth Rd., Mammoth. Sunday service is at 8:45 a.m. For more information call (760) 872-9791.)