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I was watching a service recently where the pastor was commenting about Paul’s amazing ability to choose a joyful attitude while sitting in jail and writing his epistle to the Philippians --- that despite the circumstances around him, he was still able to get himself to a place where his outlook and satisfaction were more based on what was happening inside of him than what was happing externally to him.
I began to wonder, how many of us in the church tech world sometimes feel like we’re in metaphorical chains, locked down or burdened by something, and we are then faced with a difficult choice about how to view ourselves and our circumstances.
I must remember that my circumstances don’t have to determine my outlook unless I give them the power to do it.
Maybe we feel bound by resource limitations, like a restricted budget, limited staffing, or outdated technology. Maybe we feel beat up emotionally by the way some people treat us or our teams. Perhaps we even feel persecuted or neglected when our opinion is shunned or our perspective is ignored.
Obviously, none of it compares to being in chains for the Gospel, but I’m sure there are times that all of us feel like something about our environment has created some sort of “prison” that makes us feel trapped, frustrated, or even hopeless.
The good news, as Paul pointed out throughout the book of Philippians, is that regardless of what our circumstances might look like, we do still have the ability to choose our attitude and perspective.
I don’t have to just be a victim of what’s happening to me, but I can control how I see my surroundings and whether or not I embrace the challenge to lift myself beyond them.
In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul shares how he’s learned to be content regardless of his circumstances and the depth of his needs, and that Christ is the source of strength that enables him to do this.
As the pastor expounded on this passage in his sermon, he noted some takeaways that I feel are also applicable to those of us serving in ministry.
Even when my surroundings may cause me to be frustrated, aggravated, confused, hurt, or anything else, I can still choose to be content despite them, because God’s strength is in me, like Paul, and can empower me to see things in a way my flesh cannot.
First, Paul explains in Phil. 4:11 (NIV) that he “learned” how to be content. It wasn’t something inherent or natural.
So if I’m having a bad day and am grumpy, I might have to force myself to act or react in a way that’s unnatural. I’ve heard others say that our choices lead, and our feelings follow. Sometimes I have to “act” my way into feeling the right thing.
I must remember that my circumstances don’t have to determine my outlook unless I give them the power to do it. Even if I’m bothered, challenged, or even offended, when I walk in God’s Word, I can make the choice to rise above those things and have a positive perspective.
Contentment could be described as being happy with where you are as you reach for where you’re going.
I may not be satisfied with where I’m at, with the resources we have, or with the limited influence I have. But I can still choose to be joyful amidst it, knowing that I want more, and knowing that when God’s timing is ready, other doors can open up.
I can pursue more knowledge, larger teams, and more influence without despising the season I’m in. But I do have to choose to have the perspective that my current season is a critical one for growth so I can be ready for any potential increase down the road.
But sometimes growth isn’t linear. I don’t always necessarily start with a little, then have a little increase, and then a little more. Sometimes there are seasons of losses or seasons where things regress and progress is lost.
My contentment doesn’t have to hinge on step-by-step progression. Paul noted that he had to learn how to be content in every season. And understanding the importance of that approach will help keep us level-headed when we’re caught in the natural undulations of life.
I might get invited to one planning meeting but not another. My input might be sought for one project but not the next one. We might have a handful of new volunteers join the team and then a few others leave immediately thereafter.
Paul’s key is understanding that no matter the circumstance, God is always in control. He’ll never leave me or forsake me, and there’s nothing that surprises Him. He’ll open up doors for growth and influence in the right season when I’m ready, and His timing is just. He’ll bless us with additional resources when we need it.
Until great things happen and the next doors open, I still get to choose contentment. And every step I take is another opportunity to learn more about God’s faithfulness and provision.
The ultimate key to contentment is having it be seated in our souls, knowing that as I draw closer to God, His Spirit enables and empowers me to do the unnatural thing amidst the difficulties I face.
Contentment is driven by faith, not sight. It’s rooted in God’s goodness and faithfulness, not my own abilities. It’s a perspective that goes beyond my circumstances, even when I can’t clearly see the outcomes.
I may still feel like a prisoner, bound by some sort of shackles or chains. But when my circumstances make me feel trapped or beaten down, my soul can still be content as I yearn for what’s next, knowing God is still in control in this season and in the one that’s next.
