Being Content
Philipians 4:11-13

4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

This morning, being the 70th anniversary of this church, we had the pleasure of hearing Brother James Yamate and Brother Roland Grey's sharing. Brother Yamate turned 80 years old last month and also welcomed his 50th wedding anniversary. Brother Grey has been attending this church since Father James Toda was pastor, and has continued to clean the church building every week with his wife for over 20 years. The 70th Anniversary dinner party is meant to give appreciation and show respect to those who have dedicated time and effort to this church for many years, but I think the best manner to appreciate these devoted persons is to have the long time nisei members give sharings at such things as sermons and other assemblies. I think of what a plus to the church it would be to have opportunities to listen to stories of such persons at events as kieroukai and church camp. Those, who have followed the Lord for many years, gain an understanding to a certain secret to life. What a positive effect to have them share with us this secret to life and to be able to pass it on to the next generation.

Philipians 4:12 is an important passage containing the word, "menkyo-kaiden." "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." I believe that the phrase, "learned the secret of being content," or "menkyo-kaiden," has the same meaning as the Greek phrase, "having the license for all skills."

Then, what is the life's secret that Paul obtained? That is, to say it simply, is one who is not influenced by the environment. All of us are influenced by environment. Even if we are OK when in a comfortable environment, just from the environment changing to being very hot or very cold, we become irritable, upset, and yell. But, Paul says this, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." If Paul had written this letter as he lay comfortable and content on his lazy boy, there hardly is any taste of truth in what he said. But Paul wrote this letter when he was in a cold stone prison where there was barely any sunlight. Paul wrote "whatever the circumstance," and in this, he naturally included the circumstance of being in a prison, the circumstance of being a prisoner. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." this means that he won't be bitter because he is poor, brag because he is rich, lazy when he has things is plenty, and be dissatified because he is starving. Paul is someone that has survived through many severe situations that most human beings cannot tolerate. But even while he was in these situations, he always trusted the Lord, and in these situations he worshipped the Lord, and thought of these times as a manner of training. Even during this time when Paul was in the Roman prison, he continued to preach about Jesus Christ to the people who wokred at the prison.

So then, how does one tolerate anything in any circumstance? No, not only tolerate the situation, but also to change the position that one is in within a situation? What is the secret to this? The answer is in verse 13, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." In ancient times in Japan, important monks who's shrines were put to fire would stay in their shrine and as they were dying would remember that "If one changes one's heart and mind, even the fire feels cool." These monks are said to have died in this manner, but we are far from having such a peaceful spirit. Additionally, there are some solders who have said "Lord give us the difficutlies," to strengthn themselves while in training, but we dot even have the strength to do that.

But, even normal human beings such as us have a way to choose the path of living in a manner without being influenced by circumstances. And that is the secret of "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." It is not to do it by oneself. it is not to depend on one's strength and power. It is to depend on Jesus Christ and to have Jesus Christ take care of us. Paul is someone who had incomparable wisdom and knowledge for someone during his time. He has a strong mind as Jewish people often have. He is soneone that could do and tolerate many things with just the strength he had in himself. But when Paul met Jesus Christ on the way to Damasuko, he became blind and painfully realized his powerlessness. Through admitting his weakness to Jesus Christ, he gained the strength of Jesus Christ.

One preacher once said that in the world there are those who are like thermometers and those who are like thermostats. The mark of a thermomether goes up when the temperature goes up and goes down when the temperature goes down; it changes as the environemtn changes. On the other hand, a termostat will turn on the heater when the temperature goes does, and turn the cooler on when the temperature goes up; it stabilizes the environment. Which do you think we are. Will we lead a life where we are influenced by the environment and have ups and downs within our lives? Or will we lead a life where we, from the strength within us, at times warm the environment around us, and at othertimes provide a comfortable breeze to the world? Let us accept Jesus Christ in us. Then we will gain an understanding to the secret for life.

Prayer

Our Lord Our Father, help us to understand the secret that Paul had gained. Please give us the strength to not be easily influenced by the circumstances we are in, on the contrary, to have the strength to change the circumstances around us. Just as Saint Francis prayed, "Please let us feel love instead of hate, forgiveness instead of hurt, faith instead of doubt, hope instead of disappointement, light instead of darkness, and joy instead of sadness."