“Nov 18, 2024 - The Battle Within”

Sunday, November 17, 2024

The Battle Within

Reading:  Philippians 4:8-13
    
    Paul asserts that the Christian faith must affect our inner life.  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”(Phil 4:8).  The content of our thoughts is our choice.  Paul encourages us to seek out good things to think about.  There will always be negative dimensions to our circumstances and relationships, so Paul’s words imply that we will have to actively seek out positives in what we see.  What is good here?  What is praiseworthy?  What can I commend?  These are the matters worthy of our careful thought.

    Paul also opens up about his own personal journey in his thinking.  “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me”(Phil 4:11-13).  Paul has “learned” to find contentment in any situation, implying that it is not natural to him.  He has taken the wide range of circumstances he has encountered (“plenty and hunger, abundance and need”) as an opportunity to discipline his inner man.  He takes ownership of his own contentment, not requiring great circumstances before he is joyful and at peace.  These words suggest a long process of careful discipline and looking for the good in challenging situations.  Jesus is the author of even this gradual change in Paul:  “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

    Paul’s words draw our attention to the battle within.  Long before we complain, curse, and criticize—long before we lash out, take revenge, or sin brazenly—there is a battle to control our thoughts.  We can allow frustrations to grow in intensity, boiling over in evil or we can seek the positives in our situation.  We can rejoice in wealth and bemoan poverty or we can concentrate on glorifying God wherever we find ourselves.  Positivity and contentment are choices we can always make—and they determine our words and actions.

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One Thing to Think About: Why is it hard for me to consistently think positive thoughts?

One Thing to Pray For:  Contentment, joy, and positive thoughts regardless of my circumstances
 

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