In addition to this blog being a way to help people navigate the financial world and free themselves from the slavery of debt and poverty, I also want to make the connection between building wealth, and how God views money and what He expects us to do with it. That being said, you would expect the first post to be something about ‘the love of money being the root of all evil’ (a verse I will eventually get to). But I chose to start with what happens to be my favourite verse. It is also arguably one of the most misquoted and misunderstood verses in the bible.
I have always heard Philippians 4:13 quoted by some athlete or some inspirational speaker when they are trying to portray that they were able to achieve some feat through their faith in God. It’s a great thing to give the glory to God in their triumph, but it’s not exactly what this verse is getting at in its context.
Philippians 4:10 starts out with Paul rejoicing in the concern the Philippians had for him. Then Philippians 4:11-12 gives us the context for what Paul means in verse 13; the key line being, “for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances”. Paul goes on to say he knows what it means to be in need, and to have plenty; whether well fed or hungry; whether living in plenty or in want. Paul tells us, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
Paul is telling us that whatever his situation is, he is content because he derives his strength from Jesus. When he has plenty, he doesn’t forget about Jesus. When he is poor and in prison, he doesn’t let depression and envy overtake him. He focuses on Jesus.
I started with this, because no matter where we all start or what situation we are currently in financially, we need to find contentment in Jesus. We need to find strength in Jesus. That’s not to say we don’t strive for something better. That is why we are all here. But in our present circumstances, we should be content that God has a plan for us, and not let debt and poverty overwhelm us to the point that we stop moving forward and improving ourselves as people. Or worse yet, allow bitterness and envy to creep into our hearts and further push us down into the pit of despair.
We should always be moving forward. Improving ourselves. And as we lift ourselves up out of our poverty, we should always be turning around and grabbing the hand of others in an effort to bring them up with us. We need to be a community of people who are working to climb that mountain, but never forgetting to look back and ensure no one is left behind.