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February 2008

“An Antidote to Life's Problems”

I love the Apostle Paul's Letter Philippians. I led 10 teenage boys in a study of that book in 2005, and it contains many encouraging verses and "attitude checks." One of my favorite verses is chapter 4, verse 8 (ESV): "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Paul was writing to the Philippians of Macedonia-Christians whom he described as living in "extreme poverty" (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). Despite their poverty, they gave beyond their means; like the poor widow in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, they gave not merely a tithe or even out of their "savings accounts," but what they had to live on. One of my favorite authors, Randy Alcorn, writes in his book The Treasure Principle: "Giving is the only antidote to materialism." Similarly, Paul admonished these same generous Philippians to "think about these things" probably as an antidote to depression, discouragement, despair, and giving up on the good work which had begun in them.

Here in 2008, our U.S. and possibly world economy is slipping into a recession. Many people, youth and adults alike, are depressed. Chemical abuse and sexual promiscuity are common.Wars and fears of wars continue. The future is uncertain. Add to that disease, poverty, broken relationships, oppression, and the struggle for significance and purpose in life, and it's no wonder that life is hard. For those who claim that it isn't, they're either lying or temporarily calloused to the pain through insulating themselves until disaster or hardship strikes them as well. However, to every human being, a choice is offered: CHOOSE JOY. That's not the temporary happiness of a new i-Pod or home theatre or vacation or social acceptance or health; it's a deep, abiding contentment from knowing that there is there is Hope, there is a soul Anchor, and there are still things in this world that are "true" and "worthy of praise." Despite being in one of the most materially blessed communities in world history, let's rise above the traps of trusting in wealth, security, success, and self and learn the Secret of being content.