Reject Worldly Pessimism; Embrace Cosmic Optimism

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.

(Philippians 4:12-13, ESV)

Friends,

I wonder how often we have read this famous passage and meditated on its meaning. Paul is explaining that he has learned the secret of contentment. Like many of us, Paul experienced the distresses of everyday life. Satisfied with little, he recalls learning humility when he was in prison and chains. Actually, God put His man where he would refine him. Like Joseph, Paul was a man God set apart to display His glory. Joseph tasted his excitement at the end of his story in Egypt. He says that he was happy that God sent him there. He did have his ups and downs. God "made him fruitful in the land of his affliction" (Gen 41:52). Paul had ups and downs, too.

Wouldn't it be great if each of us could claim, "I have learned the secret of contentment?" I realize that I am not content. I am too worried about the things of my home, and I am not wishing for more of God or for His presence. While I labor in my home, doing the things he has called me to do, am I doing it with joy? I have soon realized that I labor too much for myself and my own recognition than for the reputation of God. I am too consumed with the things of this world and my local environment. Indeed, Christ gave himself for me so that I would not be disappointed with my life, but so that I would be disappointed with my sin. Paul derives his contentment from his delight in Christ. That is his secret. Delight in him is the secret of contentment.

Now, I realize also that Paul is also telling us about his expectation for the future. He is optimistic about the future. He knows that in Jesus, he will have complete victory with him. Paul is not short-sighted. He doesn't focus only on his present suffering. He remembers that the same Christ that humbled himself in obedience on the cross also exalted in glory. And we, too, will be exalted and glorified with him. Let us look at the end of Philippians 3, verse 20 to verse 21.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Phil. 3:20-21)

The other day I was reading Genesis 1 and 2. It struck me that the pattern we see is that mankind is built for dominion. We are kings and queens of God's creation, built to take dominion over creation, working under God and under his covenant. Under his covenant, when we work, things become bright and glorious under our hand. This is what our Father has made us for. God holds it out for mankind as the goal of dominion, a work motivated by the GRACE of God upon our race, our life's work. When Jesus came, he restarts the pattern. He is the true image of God. He is the man who works diligently in his house (Gen. 1-2). Then, subsequently, Adam failed at this. Then Jesus restarts this pattern and is the model for mankind. He is the most excellent man. He is a gracious man.

Paul is not just talking about contentment. Contentment is for this life now. Paul is also joyful and optimistic about his future. We reject worldly pessimism and embrace cosmic optimism.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." (2 Tim 4:7-8)

- Brian, and the elders