Joy and Circumstances

Sharp contrasts often bring out the greatest truth.  Recently, a dichotomy has struck me as reflecting one clear truth.  Trinity is located in the 31st richest county in America, thus Porches, BMWs and Mercedes are more commonplace in the neighborhood than any other brand.  Because of this, I could either live on campus or many miles away.  Through my interactions with people living in the area, life is hurried and attitudes sharp.  Baristas can't get coffee orders correctly, waiters are 'incompetent' and traffic lights beg for horns to sound.  I see little happiness, but much wealth.  It seems that money doesn't bring joy.  Yes, yes, we've all heard this our whole lives, but deep down don't we doubt this?  We're often like the discussion between Perchik and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.  Perchik says, "Money is the world's curse."  To that, Tevye replies, "May the Lord smite me with it, and may I never recover!"  
     On the other hand, I attend a Hispanic church that doesn't own its own building.  Last year's operating budget was around 10,000 dollars, compared to many other churches in the area that have millions upon millions.  When you walk into the service, all you hear about is God's faithfulness and his provision for His people.  God's love for his children is written on their faces.  It seems my Hispanic brothers and sisters have found a secret that the area hasn't found:  True joy comes from knowing God, and walking with Him.  This is just as true when we have much, and when we have little.  The famous Bible verse Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength," is often quoted as a means to a football victory or in bearing job stress, but the author had a different purpose.  The context of this verse is contentment in every circumstance.  Before 4:13, Paul says, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."  What is this secret?  Knowing Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection.  I don't pretend to have modeled this, as most of my life I have known only plenty.   Yet, the truth remains.  Whether God's plan involves plenty or little, being connected to Him is what brings the joy.  I hold onto this truth with white knuckles.