At the start of this series, we began a journey in search of the answer to the age-old question of what is life all about? What is its purpose and meaning? In several articles scattered across the past weeks we have discussed Life’s Purpose and Life’s Pattern. And, last week we began talking about life’s power. At the end of last week’s article, we left off referring to Paul sharing the secret of his contentment in life that he revealed in Philippians 4:4-7. Here he presents four simple keys to having the ‘peace of God’; the peace that ‘surpasses all understanding.’ This is a peace that ‘will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’
The first is to ALWAYS rejoice in the Lord. It does not say sometimes, most of the time, when you feel like it, or when life is going your way…no it says ALWAYS. No matter what this world throws at you, no matter how bad things might be; rejoice in the Lord. We can rejoice in the Lord, because we know that the troubles of this life are passing and that we have better promises in the life to come. That is where are joy lies, not in the here and now. Read what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:3-9. Peter points out that even though we might suffer many trials for the short duration of our life in this world we can ‘greatly rejoice’ due to the great inheritance God is holding for us. Plus, as revealed in verse nine, these trials serve the purpose of proving the genuineness of our faith which results in the salvation of our soul. Considering the glorious light at the end of life’s tunnel for one who walks in the way of the Lord, why would you not always rejoice. The question that grants freedom from the darkness that often over shadows this life is; ‘Will you allow the current storm of life blow out the flame of hope promised in the life to come and thus rob you of the true joy.’
The next key is to ‘let your epieikes be known to men.’ I used the original Greek word here, because if you look through several different translations you will find several different English words inserted here. All of them capture a part of what is being expressed but fall short of the whole meaning. The word means ‘appropriate’; which means suitable or proper in the moment given the circumstances. Given that the topic of the text is an individual’s conduct as a Christian, the understanding is that each of us are to act appropriately in every circumstance we find ourselves in as we interact with others. Paul adds the additional caveat that ‘the Lord is at hand.’ Meaning He is nearby, He is watching. At the close of the article in this continuing series titled Life’s Purpose, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 is quoted; in which we are reminded that the Lord sees all and knows all and will judge us based on how we have conducted ourselves in every situation of life. The encouragement is to always act in a manner that the Lord would deem appropriate. After all, at the end of the tunnel of life, it is only His approval that matters. The power this grants over the ebb and flow of life is that you do not need to respond out of share emotion as the sands of life shift around you; but rather simply respond to the current situation according to the way God would desire. ‘Simply’ I know is easier said than done many times, but as we practice thinking and responding with the mind of God the easier it will be to allow His Word to guide our actions instead of the impulses of the flesh.
Return to the Record next week and we will look at the other two keys to obtaining Life’s Power.
Carl Hartman is the Minister at Lockney’s Main Street Church of Christ
