Pursue Peace With Everyone

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
—Romans 4:19

This world is filled with distrust, conflict and strife. As Christians, we must make it our purpose to pursue the things that make for peace. This was the instruction that Paul gave to the Romans in Romans 14:19.

This verse begins with “therefore let us.” It’s a command given to every Christian. Paul also wrote in Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” As members of the body of Christ we are called to peace. We should pursue peace in all our relationships. 

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 4:19).

The Greek word in this verse from which “pursue” was derived is “dioko.” It presents two ideas.

The Greek word, “dioko,” was a hunting term, referring to a determined hunter who unceasingly pursues his prey. Since “dioko” is a participle, this word defines an ongoing action. This diligent hunter never gives up until he successfully apprehends the prey he pursues.

The word “dioko” is also often translated “to persecute.” This tells us that this pursuit isn’t accidental. It’s a deliberate, well-thought out plan. Just as a hunter doggedly follows the tracks of his prey, a person who persecutes another does the same. His actions are meant to intentionally hurt another person.

In choosing the word “dioko,” Paul is telling us to deliberately develop and execute a plan that will bring peace with those we are in conflict with. A haphazard attempt will end up failing. Just as a hunter is resolute in capturing his prey, and a person is determined to persecute someone else, you must doggedly follow a plan inspired by the Holy Spirit until you gain peace in that relationship.

Paul also tells us that we are to follow after the things that make for peace. Examples of these things are asking for forgiveness, admitting mistakes, or acknowledging a wrong that inadvertently took place. Pride only breeds strife (Proverbs 13:10).  We should speak evil of no one, be peaceable, gentle, and show humility to all men (Titus 3:2). 

The Greek word for “peace” in this verse is “eirene.” It’s been translated as tranquility or harmony. To achieve peace in a relationship, conflicts and disagreements must be set aside, and distrust must be overcome. We must diligently pursue peace until our relationships are tranquil and harmonious.

Paul also tells that we are to follow after “the things by which one may edify another.” He commands us to make it our purpose to “edify” one another.

The word “edify” was the Greek word “oikodome,” which described the planning and building process of a house. Paul used this word to describe how we must build our relationships. Random attempts won’t overcome issues. Building strong and peaceful relationships that stand the test of time takes serious prayer and humbly considering the views of every one concerned. Once a Holy Spirit inspired plan is developed, it must be deliberately and intentionally followed.

If we lay down our disagreements and distrust of each other, pursuing peace with each other and doing the things that make for peace, we will build what the Holy Spirit wishes to accomplish in our relationships with each other. He possesses the knowledge and wisdom to bring about peace. He knows precisely what we need to do to “edify” or build relationships effectively with others. We must seek the Holy Spirit for His plan and not turn away from it.

If you have been through a painful experience with another believer, Romans 14:19 commands you to lay down your distrust and disagreement and pursue the things that make for restoration and peace. Instead of tearing down each other, the Holy Spirit wants to reveal His plan to build a strong and peaceful relationship that will last.

If you’re willing to let go of unforgiveness, hurt, distrust, and bad attitudes, and listen to the Holy Spirit, He will provide you with a plan. If you humbly and faithfully pursue His guidance, His plan will achieve peace.

Are you tired of the war? Be intentional in seeking peace. In all humility lay down your weapons and pursue the things that make for peace. This is God’s will for you. If you pursue His will,  He will honor your pursuit.

God’s Word Is Final

 

Have you ever heard someone say, “God said it and that settles it?”  
 
What has the Word said to you? Whatever the Holy Spirit has shown you in the Word is settled in your life. It’s God’s will for you. 
 
Settled means “established, stable, solid, firm, matured, and complete.” God’s promises are established. They are solid. They are complete and settled in His Word just as they are settled in heaven.

“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides” (Psalm 119:89-90).
 
God’s Word abides. It is unchanging. God’s Word reveals His promises, and He is faithful to accomplish His promises in your life. How you believe the promises of God in your heart determines whether His truth is established, solid, and complete in your life or not.
 
God has given you His Word to know His will. His Word is His will. It is His final authority in your life. To experience the power of the faith that is yours in Christ, you need to know what His Word reveals. When you believe God’s truth is “settled, established, stable, solid, firm, matured and complete in your life,” you know it is your final authority. It is your final truth. It is the end result. You receive it as your truth by faith.

Stop the doubt in your heart. It will keep you from receiving God’s truth. It’s your intentional choice to constantly renew your mind with His Word and stand on it. It’s your choice to believe without wavering (Romans 12:2, James 1:6-7) and put on the new life that Christ has given you (Ephesians 4:24).
 
When you are renewed in your mind with the Word and guard it as the final authority in your heart (Ephesians 4:23, Romans 12:2), you mature in the finished work of Christ. When you believe God’s Word in your heart, you receive its settled and final authority. You believe by faith the incorruptible seed of God’s final Word.
 
The enemy will come and try to steal God’s truth which has been sown in your heart. Perhaps, you once received God’s promise with joy and believed it for a while. But when tribulation came—either from circumstances or the opinions of others, you let go and doubted God’s final authority on your promise. The cares of life and the deceitfulness of riches choke out the Word and keep it from bringing forth the abundant life the Word promises. However, when you receive the seed of God’s Word in your heart and continually nurture it, you truly “hear” what the Word says and understand it. Then it “indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23).
 
Is the Word the settled and final authority in your life? Do you believe God’s truth?  What has God’s truth birthed in your life? Not what you try to birth. Not what the world or the opinions of others try to birth. It’s His Word that births the fruit of His truth in your life. What has His truth birthed in you?
 
You have been born again, my friend in Christ, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23). His Word is the final authority in your life. It is His truth. It is mature and complete. The living and active Word of God transforms your life when you believe the Holy Spirit’s revelation of its truth above what you sense and experience.
 
God’s Word is settled. His promises are His final say. “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach)” (Romans 10:8). Seek to hear and believe God’s Word of faith in your heart. His faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 119:90). He accomplishes His Word (Psalm 119:90). Hold fast the confession of your hope without wavering, for He who promised, is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
 
God’s final Word is Grace.

The Word in My Heart

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
—Proverbs 4:20-22
 
 
This Scripture doesn’t say God’s words are “like” health to us. It says that His words “are” health to us. You may have a million dollars in a bank, but that money doesn’t benefit you if you never withdraw it. You may be told that life and healing are in the Word, but you won’t receive their benefit if you don’t find them.

When we give attention to His words, incline our hearing toward them, and keep His words in our hearts, we spiritually consume healing and health. When we fill our hearts and minds with the world’s evil, anxiety, fear, and despair, we spiritually consume depravity and loss. Many believe in healing, desire healing, and ask God for healing, but their hearts may not be open to receiving the healing God has spoken of. 
 
Look at the story of Paul preaching the Gospel at Lystra. 
 
“And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, ‘Stand up straight on your feet!’ And he leaped and walked” (Acts 14:8-10).
 
Paul was preaching the Gospel and most likely wasn’t even preaching on healing specifically. Yet, this man “heard” healing. It only took the Gospel. It only took God’s words. The Gospel IS the power of God (Romans 1:16). What the crippled man heard reached his heart because faith was born, and it was evident to Paul. The lame man’s miracle came with the “hearing of faith” in his heart (Galatians 3:5). 
 
Have you heard God’s words? Not just with your ears, but spiritually with your heart? His words are life and healing to all who find them. They must first be found spiritually before they can manifest in you.
 
Meditate on Psalm 107:20: “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Don’t just accept the obvious in this verse and not be open to what the Spirit wishes to reveal to your heart. Come hungry to the Word. Contemplate and consider each word in Psalm 107:20. Don’t give up and say His Word isn’t working. The Word is alive and active and always working. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His thoughts. He wants you to find them. Allow His thoughts to paint a picture in your mind. Dwell on it. Envision it. Anticipate it. Believe it in your heart.

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach” (Romans 10:8).

God wants me to receive the truths of my salvation. Jesus is the Word God sent to heal me. Jesus has delivered me from sickness and every fruit of sin. His Word of healing is near me, in my heart and in my mouth. I am healed within spiritually to receive healing without. I shall seek and receive His Word in my heart and speak its truth out of the redemptive fullness of His abundant life within me.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

What do I bring forth out of my heart? Do I bring forth the death of the flesh or the life of the Spirit?  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in His sight. May they bring forth His life.

Take the Time

You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
—James 4:14

Two weeks ago, I flew to Massachusetts to visit my sister and brother. It was a long overdue visit, and I couldn’t wait to reconnect with them. The trip was filled with long-forgotten memories and brought immense joy as I remembered the times we had shared through the years.

While my sister and I drove from western Massachusetts up into Vermont and New Hampshire, staying in historic inns filled with warm fires, my daughter from Florida spent time with my husband in Alabama. As my sister and I explored charming shops and savored cozy meals together, my daughter and husband spent much-needed time together. The time we all spent with each other was a precious gift, valuable beyond any price.

Spending time with loved ones is an essential aspect of life. It strengthens relationships, creates cherished memories, and fosters a sense of belonging. In our fast-paced lives, it’s imperative to prioritize these precious moments.

“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46). 

There is something special about breaking bread together. Whether it’s a family meal or a getaway trip with loved ones, spending sincere moments together creates a unique heart connection. Taking time to be with our loved ones reduces stress. Good times spent with those who are integral to our lives “fill us with laughter and songs of joy” (Psalm 126:2). Sincerely connecting with family also gives us a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

It’s easy to get caught up in our responsibilities and forget the importance of spending time with our loved ones. Making time for each other should always be a priority, as the memories we create and the relationships that grow through the years are well worth the effort.

Life is a fleeting moment, and we never know what the future holds. Our lives are like vapors that exist for a brief time before vanishing away (James 4:14). There’s a distinct possibility that I may never see my sister or brother in Massachusetts again on this earth. Every moment I spend with my husband, son, daughter, grandchildren, and other loved ones, I realize that this might be my last chance to share this life with them. I want them to cherish the memories of my love for them.

Two of the greatest gifts you can share with someone are your time and your faith. When you share your time, you’re giving a part of your life that you’ll never get back. Sharing your faith offers the hope of seeing them again in eternity. 

Memories are never truly lost. If you have negative memories, make an effort to create new, positive ones. Don’t leave those you love struggling to remember the depth of your love for them. Don’t hold onto hurt or bitterness that prevents you from forgiving. You are called to a higher level of love. Freely forgive as Christ has forgiven you. Take the time in this life to cherish those who are God’s gifts to you. 

Good morning!  This is the day the Lord has made!  Rejoice and be glad in it! Thank you for allowing me to send you devotionals for many years. I will be away a couple of weeks and won't be writing devotionals.

A Profound Faith

When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
—Matthew 8:10

Yesterday, our pastor shared the great faith of the centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant, What was so profound about this centurion that made Jesus marvel? The centurion’s servant was sick from palsy, but he had faith that Jesus would heal him. Jesus recognized the centurion had a compassionate heart and had pursued Him out of love for his servant. He saw a man who recognized his authority to heal and humbly sought him to heal his servant. Jesus was so pleased with the centurion’s faith he declared he had never found so great a faith, not even in Israel.

Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, initiated it in us. To nurture our faith, it is beneficial to delve into such a great faith as that of the centurion. 

“And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’  The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed’” (Matthew 8:7-8).

This centurion recognized Jesus’ authority and believed that his spoken word was enough to heal his servant. He didn’t need Jesus to visit his house. The centurion had faith in Jesus’ word. This demonstrates that those who simply believe the written Word of God have a greater faith than those who require additional proof. 

For a man with immense power and authority, the centurion’s humble demeanor was truly remarkable. Humility is one of the key components of great faith. People of profound faith in God don’t rely on themselves. They realize their lack but know God shall unequivocally supply their need. Those who excessively depend on themselves struggle to rely on God, and pride hinders their ability to receive from Him.

The centurion said to Jesus: “For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it’” (Matthew 8:9).

This verse demonstrates the centurion’s understanding of authority. He was under the authority of his superiors and held authority over the hundred men under him. He recognized Jesus’ authority from God to heal. Acknowledging Jesus’ authority was crucial for the centurion’s servant to be healed.

Just as the centurion trusted Jesus’ spoken Word, I must also trust the Word of God. The centurion didn’t doubt that Jesus could just speak a word and heal His servant. Do I believe and trust God’s word to do the same in my life? His Word says that I am healed. Do I believe the truth of His Word? Or do I require additional proof? If I require additional evidence of God’s truth working in my life, then His Word alone won’t suffice for me. I’ve elevated my unbelief above its truth, and I’ve become more reliant on myself than on God.

If I want a greater faith, I must acknowledge the authority of God's Word and allow it to speak “life” to me. If I want a faith that overcomes destructive emotions or sickness or loss in life, I find it in the Word. If I want a profound faith that receives God’s promises, I take possession of the Word of God. If I desire a faith that experiences the revelation of God’s wisdom and knowledge, I pray in the Holy Spirit to build up my most holy faith (Jude 20). Through faith and patience I never lack but inherit the promises of God (James 1:4, Hebrews 6:12). Having done all, I stand with bold tenacity and unrelenting faith, knowing I shall see God’s spoken Word fulfilled in my life.

Does Jesus marvel at my faith like he marveled at the faith of the centurion? Are the qualities in the centurion’s life also exemplified in mine? Is Jesus pleased with my spiritual growth and His Word manifesting in me? Jesus shall marvel at my faith when I marvel at the Word He speaks into my life. 

Self-Centeredness

 

Self-centeredness is a snare. The world encourages self-reliance, promotes success, and despises humility. If you are all wrapped up in yourself, being truly happy and finding fulfillment in life is impossible. Selfishness is addictive. Someone focused on satisfying their needs and longings is never content. There is always something more to lure them. They strive to attain their desire, but once they reach it, the excitement fades, and they need something else.
 
With self-centeredness, achievements never satisfy you. You have a void that can never be filled. This is because you can never satisfy yourself. The only way to experience fulfillment in life is to deny self. You must learn to live for something infinitely more significant than yourself.
 
Jesus said: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
 
God did not create us to live self-focused lives. He created us to lose ourselves to Him.
 
Self-centeredness turns our wants into needs and our needs into problems. It kills relationships and dissolves good intentions. Most believers don’t know how to deal with self-centeredness. They keep praying about it and beating themselves up with guilt and shame, but nothing seems to help. 
 
There is only one way to get rid of self-centeredness. You become free of it by becoming a living sacrifice.
 
Paul said, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).
 
Sacrificing yourself is your reasonable service. When you choose to be a “living sacrifice,” you don’t focus on the act of your sacrifice. If you do, your sacrifice has the potential to become about you. You must take your focus off yourself and place it on Jesus. Self-sacrifice is difficult. That is why it takes humility. You can force yourself to sacrifice something, but that is not the same as letting it go in your heart. 
 
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, KJV).
 
Our lives aren’t about us. To live the life of Jesus we must learn to “live by the faith of the Son of God.” If Jesus says we can comfort those who hurt, heal the sick, forgive those who offend us, and love those who despise us, we can humble ourselves and believe it. If we humble ourselves in God’s sight, He will lift us up to be a living sacrifice (James 4:10).
 
In Matthew 16:16, Jesus blesses Peter for recognizing Him as the Son of the living God. A few verses later, Jesus tells the disciples He will be rejected, mistreated, die, and rise again. Peter, who had joyfully received Jesus’ blessing, now doesn’t receive these words. 
 
“Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You,” he declares (Matthew 16:22). Peter wouldn’t let Jesus be rejected, mistreated, and die! He would save him!
 
Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23).
 
Peter pridefully declared he could save Jesus when Jesus had really come to save him. Peter was selfishly promoting himself over God’s plan. It was true that Peter was ignorant of God’s will in sending Jesus, and he must have been crushed by Jesus’ rebuke when he had just received His praise, but Jesus had to deal with Peter’s pride before it became sown in his heart. 
 
Often, we don’t see God’s greater purpose in a difficult issue. Self will rise up, declaring we need to do something, when in truth, if we would humble ourselves and listen to the Holy Spirit, we could avoid the predicaments pride brings. We need to crucify pride before it takes root in our hearts. Humbling ourselves to live by the faith of Jesus is the only way to be a living sacrifice who overcomes pride.
 
Jesus denied Himself for our sake. He surrendered His will to the Father’s will. He was tempted as we are, yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He didn’t want to be rejected. He didn’t want to suffer pain (Matthew 26:39). But He knew He had been born to die for us (Revelations 13:8). Jesus couldn’t allow His mind to focus on any other purpose than the one before Him. That would have been pride. Jesus humbled Himself for our sake to fulfill God’s plan for His life (Philippians 2:8).
 
If we want to fulfill God's plan for our lives, we must humble ourselves as Christ humbled Himself for us.
 
“A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23).
 
Pride will humiliate us. It will obstruct what God can do in and through us. We should represent the Father humbly as Jesus did. Jesus was meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). He didn’t come to serve Himself but to serve us (John 13:13-17). Just like Peter, we need to humble ourselves to receive the Lord’s blessing, but we also need to be humble enough not too think highly of ourselves.
 
Life is not about us. We are blessed to bless others. We are not made to be selfish, receiving God’s blessings just for ourselves. That abuses the grace humbly given to us. We need to humble ourselves as Jesus humbled Himself for us. True humility is losing ourselves to Jesus. He is our living sacrifice. We live by the faith of the Son of the living God, who loved us and gave His life for us.



 
 

Lose Your Life for His Sake

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
—Matthew 16:25 
 
This verse makes no sense to your natural mind. Most people think that no one will look out for them if they don’t. They view everything from a selfish perspective, which is prideful and only leads to disagreement (Proverbs 13:10). 

God loves us more than we love ourselves. His plans for us are better than our plans for ourselves (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). Abandoning ourselves to His plan is the best thing we can do. It rarely makes sense to our carnal mind because our carnal thinking is the enemy of God (Romans 8:7). 

There is unquestionably suffering in following Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12). However, the suffering we endure for His sake cannot be compared with His glory to be revealed in us (Romans 8:17-18). One day, when we go to be with the Lord, we won’t see through a glass darkly anymore. We will have a complete revelation of what God was doing all along in this world.
 
The most crucial thing in this world is for Him to be Lord in your life. What have you made the most necessary thing? Who or what is your Lord? Is there something you hold on to, afraid you will lose, or perhaps a relationship you believe is more important than anything else? If you try to hang on to your life, Jesus said, you will lose it. If a relationship or what you possess is more important than your relationship with God, you will lose intimacy with Him. Your understanding of who you are in Christ will fade away. You will lose your life to what you desire instead of losing your life to become the new person He created.
 
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be,” Jesus said (Matthew 6:21).
 
Is the thing you treasure a person? Your concerns and desires about that relationship are foremost in your mind. If it is something you crave, then your desire to own it outweighs anything else. Whatever your treasure becomes the desire of your heart. If you selfishly hang on to what you require instead of seeking what the Lord desires, you will lose the revelation of your new life in Jesus Christ. But if your treasure is your relationship with Him, then the genuine desire of your heart is what the Holy Spirit reveals in you.
 
Giving up your life for Jesus is all about priorities. Jesus put you first when He died on the Cross for the forgiveness of your sins—your healing—your provision—your total restoration. You were then and still are His number-one priority. Is He yours, or do other relationships, desires, or things get in the way? If you hang on to them, you lose. If you give them up, you win. 

To lose the desires that get in the way of your relationship with Christ, you must let go of the influence of your old nature. It has been crucified with Christ and no longer has the power to control your life unless you allow your flesh to convince you it still does. Allowing the Holy Spirit to direct your life is letting the new nature you have received in Jesus mold you into God’s image. Withholding nothing from the Lord will save you from the ultimate bitterness of a self-focused life and give you unmatched intimacy with Him.
 
Peace and joy are tangible when you truly understand how much Jesus loves you. Your desire to love Him springs from knowing the love He gave you. Give Him your time to learn who He says you are. Give Him the selfish longings that compete with His desires. Give Him your relationships. Give Him every struggle. Give Him all the emotional upheavals. He destroyed them on the cross. You are the one holding on to their lies. Give Him all of you so you learn all of who He is. As you grow to know who He is, you will come to know the new life He gave you, conforming you to His image. He becomes your Lord. You can never make Him Lord by what you do. When who you believe you are agrees with who He says you are, you make Him Lord. Then, you can live out of the truth of your new life in Him.
 
God desires to reveal Himself in your life. You are the desire of His heart, my friend. He yearns to be the desire of yours. Jesus is God’s gift of salvation to you. Open your gift. Open all of Him and find the new person He has created in you. Know the power of His resurrection. He withheld nothing from you. Withhold nothing from Him. 
 
“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).
 

The Secret of Contentment

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
—Philippians 4:10-11

In Philippians 4:10, Paul thanked the Philippians for the way they gave to supply his needs. They had desired to give for a long time, but hadn’t had the opportunity. When Paul was arrested and taken to Rome, it took awhile for the Philippians to hear about it, but once they did, they cared for him. Their giving was one of the things that made the Philippians special to Paul. They weren’t like some he had ministered to who only took from him. The Philippians gave.

Paul didn’t rejoice because of the physical gifts he received from the Philippians; he had learned to be content without things (Philippians 4:11). It was the Philippians’ love behind their gifts that touched Paul’s heart and blessed him. He rejoiced because their giving revealed their great love for him, and he knew their giving would produce fruit that would abound to their account (Philippians 4:17).

Paul knew the source of his contentment: it was finding all of himself in Christ (Hebrews 13:5).

Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 2:24, “Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?” 

Solomon was saying that no one could satisfy their desires as he had. He was the richest man who had ever lived (2 Chronicles 1:12), yet he had determined that people had to make themselves find happiness in life.

Things and circumstances didn’t satisfy Solomon, and they won’t satisfy us either. It’s a choice. Every one of us has the capacity to be content, but just like we have the capacity to read and write, reading and writing don’t come naturally. We must learn to read and write. Neither does contentment come naturally or as a result of circumstances: we must learn to be content no matter what happens. Just as someone learns to read and write more easily than another, some people find it easier to learn contentment.

Paul certainly had to learn to be content. He was in prison in Rome and facing possible execution. The secret to Paul’s contentment was that he had died to himself and was living totally for God (Philippians 1:21, Galatians 2:20). 

A person who is dead has no needs. Paul was dead to himself so he didn’t regard himself as having any needs. Jesus had fulfilled his life. Needs are about us. Discontent and depression arise out of selfishness. If we continually die to self and live to Christ, we can rid ourselves of selfishness and be content.

One of the best ways to learn contentment is to be thankful for what you have and quit dwelling on what you don’t have. Most people in prison focus on all the things they can’t do. Paul was most likely thinking about all the things he could do. He preached the Gospel to the Jewish leaders in Rome (Acts 28:17-29), something that would have been impossible without being arrested and taken to Rome. Everyone in Caesar’s palace heard the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-18). He had earned the favor of his guards, and they granted him his own house, allowing him to have his friends visit him without restriction (Acts 28:30). Paul had complete freedom to preach the Gospel in Rome (Acts 28:31).  Promoting Jesus Christ was all that mattered to him.

We can be content in anything because godly contentment doesn’t depend upon our circumstances. This is completely opposite to the way most people think. No one really wants to be depressed, but very few feel any personal responsibility or authority to control their feelings during trying circumstances. Emotions don’t follow circumstances; emotions follow the way we think. Regardless of our circumstances, we can choose to think on things that are lovely, true, and good (Philippians 4:8). As we think, so our feelings will follow (Proverbs 23:7, Isaiah 26:3, Romans 8:6).

Even though God desires to prosper His children (3 John 3:2), Paul’s focus wasn’t on what he was given but upon Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Lord wishes for us to prosper, but it’s not His will for us to gripe when we are experiencing difficult situations. We can be content whether we are in need or whether we abound in life (Philippians 4:12). We, too, can know the secret of contentment—we can find “all of our life” in Christ. Just as Paul, we, too, can die to self and live totally for God.

Thinking and Living Right

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
—Philippians 4:9
 

In Philippians 4:9, used himself as a role model. Paul informed the Philippians that if they followed the actions, words, teachings, and knowledge he had imparted to them, God would be with them. This was wisdom. If what we teach to others doesn’t resonate with our own lives, we should refrain from teaching it. On the other hand, if our teachings are effective in our lives, we should encourage others to emulate us.

Paul had just told the believers in Philippians 4:8 to think on “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report.” In verse 9, he instructed them to follow him because he was living out exactly what he had instructed them to do. He personified the principles he preached. Therefore, they should do the same.

In Philippians 4:9, there are four things listed in reverse order that encouraged the Philippians to follow Paul’s example.

The first thing Paul listed was the one absolutely necessary to draw them toward the Lord. The Philippians observed Paul’s life. When Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi, the Philippians witnessed God’s power working through Paul and Silas. An earthquake miraculously released them from prison (Acts 16:22-31). Next, the Philippians heard Paul’s message. He used the miraculous events to preach the Gospel and give glory to Jesus. They received what Paul said and were born again. Then, and only then, they learned Paul’s secret of having a relationship with God through faith in God’s grace.

When a person receives Christ, this progression of events is the norm. If we fail to walk in the power of God so that unbelievers can see that power in our lives, then few of them will ever stop to hear what we have to say. If they do hear but don’t receive, the process stops there. If they receive, then they will learn, experiencing Christ personally in their lives.

Not only were the Philippian believers to think upon what was true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, but they were also to do the things they had learned.

In the Living Bible, this verse reads, “Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.” The Greek word “prasso” was translated “do,” and means “to practice’” (Strong’s Concordance). This verb is present progressive. It’s used to describe an ongoing activity in the present. Paul’s instruction to the Philippians is “a command to keep on doing an action as one’s general habit or lifestyle” (The Discovery Bible, Moody Press).

It’s not the hearers of God’s Word but the doers of God’s Word who are blessed. Paul instructed the Philippians to put into practice—to make it their lifestyle—what they had seen him do. That was not an easy assignment. However, if the Philippians would think right (Philippians 4:8), they would be able to put into practice what is right; their lifestyle would emulate God’s character. The Holy Spirit living through them would produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in their lives.

What we think, will ultimately be produced in our lives. We cannot produce Jesus in our lives. Our actions without faith in Jesus Christ are dead. They have no power. However, our actions produced through the Holy Spirit living in us are life. Paul had died to himself so Christ could live through Him. Paul didn’t focus on crucifying himself. He focused on Christ living and manifesting Himself through him. We are to do the same.

As we think in our hearts, so are we (Proverbs 23:7). We choose what we think about. When we think right, the Holy Spirit empowers whatever is lovely and of good report in our lives. The God of peace is with us.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).