From the President: Contently Called

By Dr. Chris Seiple on 01 May 2006

“I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.” (italics added)
—Paul, Philippians 4:11-12

Do you ever feel overwhelmed?

It’s a common feeling to have these days. The headlines speak of a complex world with many daunting and seemingly intractable problems. Our everyday lives are no different, as we suffer through the difficult colleague at work, the family member we just can’t reach, or other perennial frustrations. It is easy to feel discontented and, as a result, uncalled to make a difference in a weary world.

But we should bear in mind two key spiritual realities. First, God is at work — right now — amidst these issues, through people of His choosing, including those who do not believe in Him. When we take the time to be still and really observe His world, we will see Him on the move.

Second, He doesn’t need us to accomplish His good and often mysterious ends. God doesn’t need us to solve these issues. He’s God; His purposes will be fulfilled, with or without us.

That said, He longs for us to come alongside the work He is already doing. Nothing would give Him greater joy than to see His creation join Him, hand-in-hand, in every culture on every continent.

There is only one way to join Him, however. We must first be content in Him before we can work with Him. This is not easy. In fact, it is easier to be overwhelmed and end up working for Him, pessimistic about our place and position in life.

Paul tells us, however, that he has “learned the secret” to being content: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). The secret to success is simply this: if we are content in Christ, we will be able to do all things. Not some things. All things. Christ is enough.

Is Christ enough for you?

If you are burdened by the things of the world — if you feel the need to quantify your success or rationalize why you don’t have it — Christ is not enough. Christ does not call us to worldly success, only to Himself. If you are dependent on Christ then success is not defined by what you do, but how you do it.

This simple fact doesn’t make life easier. In fact, it might make life more difficult because you will be “different.” Christ’s call, however, is to be content in Him. And if you are, He will take care of you.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). And if you belong to Him, He begs you to “cast your burdens” on Him because He will “sustain” you (Psalms 55:22). Or, as the author of Hebrews sums up: “Be content with what you have, for God has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5, quoting Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, and Joshua 1:5).

Take the time to be content with your Maker. Give Him your burdens and take up His, for they are “light” (Matthew 11:30). If Christ is enough He will soon beckon you to come alongside what He is already doing in this world.

Be contently called and dare to let Him use you in a manner beyond your imagination.

Last updated 29 November 1999