Outlook & Perspective

Imagine being thrown in prison for just having a message and delivering it.  Talking it up real big, not holding back.  Publicly expressing beliefs and ideas isn't a crime.  Sure, feelings are hurt and offense is given, but it's not murder.  How would you respond if this was your situation?  Would you feel rage at being accused?  Would it not be expected behavior to snarl and glare at the jailer?  Bad mouthing the administration would be an understandable response.

Speaking for myself, I can imagine how I would react to such an injustice.  Complaining, bitterness, resentment, holding a grudge, disrespectfully loud, and maybe even aggression would be my response.  Sadly.

The missionary and tent maker, Paul, writer of the letter to the Philippians, responds with much more control.  He writes this letter from prison without the slightest suggestion of injustice.  In fact, Paul writes as if to say "no big deal, this is the stuff perseverance is made of."  Paul has learned the secret of contentment.  I think that "secret" is his focus on the mission and his hope in the future.  Paul couldn't dwell on the lousy present because he was looking intently to the future.  Christ's return and resurrection of the dead causes Paul to consider these troubles as contributions to the advance of the message.  Paul is hopeful, not discouraged, cynical or enraged.  He can't help but encourage the Philippians knowing the struggles of the church are for its benefit.  Perseverance keeps our eyes on the prize.  Seeing God finish what he started;  now that's something to push toward.

To be content is to see the big picture and committing to being "all in" to that result.  Regardless of circumstance or opposition the work of God through Christ continues and will be completed.  That is Paul's message to the Philippians.  And to me.

...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  (2:12 NIV)