The Wealthy

Are you wondering what bread and wine have to do with wealth?
Let me ask you something else:
Are you wealthy?

I asked my husband that a few months ago and was surprised by his answer.  Without hesitation, he replied, "Yes!"  I was surprised because....well, it is a "loaded question".

What IS wealth, and why is it a spiritual matter?  As we wind up Philippians, let's see what the apostle Paul had to say about it.

10 I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)  11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. 12  I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 13  I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. 14  Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble.

Philippians 4:10-13 (NET)

Remember that the apostle Paul was writing this letter from "house arrest".  Although he was a tent-maker by trade, he was unable to "earn a living" while on house arrest for preaching the gospel.  He was, at this point, a working missionary who was unable to work and support himself.  Like all missionaries, he had to either work to support himself or ask for financial support; or, as is the case with 99% of missionaries, he had to ask others to financially support him to some extent.  It appears that this is one of those times when he needed to be pretty much totally financially supported by the small churches he had started across that part of the world.

Still, I'd argue that Paul was one of the wealthiest people who ever lived.  Now, to justify that statement:

1.  Paul knew Jesus Christ as Savior.  In Ephesians 2:7, he referred to "the incomparable riches of His grace".  In other words, the grace of Jesus Christ, which utterly transformed his life forever, was/is priceless.  Nothing is more valuable.  Anyone who has surrendered his/her life to Jesus Christ as Savior is already incomparably rich.  Jesus is "our Daily Bread" (Matthew 6:9-13) and the Bread of Life, "broken" for us (John 6:35).

2.  Paul stated in his first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:6) - - -

6 Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.

In other words, the godliness that Jesus Christ's salvation provides, plus being content with the material gifts God gives, is the best investment anyone could ever make.  These life decisions pay the greatest dividends this earthly life offers as well as guaranteeing eternal reward.  When we "live out" the salvation Jesus has given, we literally "increase our wealth".  Godly living almost always results in material needs being met.
But, then, why is contentment important? Why did Paul add that in here?

3.  Paul realized that godly living would potentially produce material wealth.  He also realized the potential for material wealth to become a trap for the Christian, just as it does for many non-Christians.  What can happen is that people begin to worship material wealth.  Oh, they would not say they "worship" it.  But, if they put accumulation of wealth ahead of their relationship with Christ, letting wealth (and the power it brings) guide their lives instead of God, then that is a form of .... worship, a lifestyle which breed discontent, because no matter how much is gained, it is never "enough".  This is why Paul later on in the 1 Timothy 6 passage declared  "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim. 6:10).  Our love and passion belong to Jesus Christ, if we are Christians, after all.

4.  One last point - - "contentment" does not equate with laziness or envy.  Neither laziness nor envy have a place in either godliness OR in contentment.  God expects us to live out our salvation by exercising the spiritual gifts He gives us.  Our doing so brings Him glory.  We do our best to serve Him faithfully, and He is faithful to supply all our needs.  We trust; He supplies.  We don't look at the gifts given to our neighbors and gripe because they have "more".  What a contentment-killer!
The companion verse to Philippians 4:10-13 is Philippians 4:19-20 - - -

19  And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 

20  May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.

So, I ask you again - - - are you wealthy?  And, if so, are you content with the gifts God has given you?

Father, thank you for meeting all my needs, in every way.   I want to pray specifically for those who do not have a relationship with You through Your Son, Jesus, the only name given to mankind for salvation.  I pray that you will reveal to those who are reading this post and who do not yet know You the great riches that can be theirs through Jesus, as Savior.  Open their hearts, Lord, so that they, too, can be eternally rich!  For those who know You already...teach us about contentment.  Please reveal to us where we have let "the world" with its lusts for money, fame and power creep in.  Remind us of the humility of Jesus who focused on serving Father God, while having no "foxhole" or "nest" of His own.  He was the "picture of contentment".  Mold us more and more into His image, Father!  In Jesus' name, amen.