Christ Is Enough
As a kid growing up in South Florida, I enjoyed riding bikes. I had several bikes, but none were brand-new. My bikes were reconditioned, but I was more than thrilled to have them and to ride them. They did not have to be new to delight me. I had friends who had new bikes and were proud of their new bikes. I was happy with my older bikes that had been reconditioned. I did not pine away for a new one.
Come to think of it, I have never owned a brand-new car in the same year as the year I was living in. All my cars have been used, but I have been fine just the same.
I realize some prefer brand-new things, and that is okay. I personally do not want to live thinking that brand-new and top-of-the-line are required for me to be happy. I would much rather live with an attitude of contentment, having learned how to be happy in every circumstance.
It appears there was a very well-known apostle who also felt this way about life.
Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The ability to be content in Christ is of far greater value than attaining things thought to be necessary to one’s happiness. Paul had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself. No, he wasn’t settling as though he had given up. He learned that one of the secrets to reigning in life involves the ability to be content.
I’ve observed often times bad decisions being made from a place of disconentment in the hopes that they would bring happiness and fulfillemnt to the person making them. In the end, they only added to the sense of discontentment and disappointment.
When I have reached the end of myself and the many demands my flesh wishes to make in order to be pleased, I find Christ is enough. The truth is that my flesh can never truly be satisfied. The emotions of life are like a roller coaster ride. If I am to journey in this life with any real consistency, I need to discover that Christ is enough.
Too many times, I have witnessed someone getting in over their heads financially or otherwise trying to scratch an itch that they have labeled a need. An itch becomes a need when Christ is not enough.
The joy of the Lord is my strength. If I am growing in Him as I should be, I am walking in joy in the Holy Spirit. That joy is mine regardless of the circumstances surrounding my existence at any point and time. It is a powerful reality of life that cannot be bought. There is something so liberating and powerful to Christ being enough. It can heal marriages, wounded hearts, identities of victimization, and so many other ailments that have resulted from the disappointments that life will bring our way.
Christ my King, my Savior, my Lord, my High Priest, my friend that sticks closer than a brother and so much more! Christ is enough! I want to be in such fellowship with HIm that all the things that would otherwise cause me grief fade into the background as I rest in the knowledge of His goodness towards me and His ability to care for me. Christ is enough!
