Chaplains’ Chat
“For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.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.13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
What do NBA star Steph Curry, NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and surfing champion Gabriel Medina have in common? Apart from being elite athletes, all three say Philippians 4:13 is their favourite Bible verse. In fact, it is written on their shoes, surfboards or face paint. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Is this passage talking about God giving us extra physical strength to win our sport? Is this the winning formula for success? This passage is actually all about contentment. The secret to contentment in ALL situations.
This week in Chapel, Miss Domingo brought us this passage and shared what it means to be content. Contentment is being satisfied with our life, rather than wanting more and more in the hope that more will make us happy. This is particularly remarkable given the situation of the author who penned these Bible verses. The Apostle Paul was no stranger to hardship. He recounts being shipwrecked, flogged, almost stoned to death, pursued by bandits, thrown in prison and starved. He was in prison while writing this passage to his fellow Christians. How could someone be content in such a dire situation?
The secret is “through him who gives me strength.” Paul finds the strength to be content in Jesus Christ. He can endure the troubles of this life, confident that Jesus will enable him to be content, even when in need.
Contentment is easy to want but hard to live out when our world continues to tell us that we need more and more. It is perhaps a bit sad that in such an affluent society we are so often discontent. Miss Domingo brought up the recent example of the Shore Service Learning trip to the Philippines where she — alongside other staff and Year 11 students — helped construct pit toilets for families living in extreme poverty. Despite these families’ lack of material possessions and necessities, those from Shore who went reflected on their overwhelming contentment. Like Paul, they too knew the secret of being content: their hope and strength in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev John Sheldon
Chaplain (Acting)