Scriptures warn us of the dangers of an inappropriate desire for wealth (Proverbs 28:20, 22; I Timothy 6:6-10). Most of us don't think that we have a problem with wanting to be rich...well not too rich! The fact is most of us really would like to have enough wealth, so that we could be quite comfortable and wouldn't have to worry about anything. We probably would like to do generous things for others, too...after we make sure that we are secure. There's a snag in that desire. We are trying to escape the effects of living in a sin-cursed world. It's a natural reaction to the kind of pain this world produces. When Adam brought us into the realms of sin, he brought us into a world of pain, fear and death (Romans 5:12; II Corinthians 7:10; I John 4:18). Some additional affects of sin are unfulfilled desire and insecurity (I John 2:16).

Christ has come to redeem us from sin's curse and to deliver us from the effects of a sin-cursed world (Romans 5:6-12; 17-21; I Corinthians 15:21-22; II Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; 3:13). That, of course, means that we have eternal life with God after we die. It also means that we have eternal life with God now, before we die, in this world (John 8:12; 10:7-10; II Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 3:1-3; II Peter 1:2-4). Therefore, we are not to live in the grips of fear and insecurity (John 14:1, 27; Romans 8:15, 28-39; II Timothy 1:7). We can dwell in God's environment of love and peace (Colossians 3:12-17; I John 4:16-21). We do not have to grasp and cling to the material things of this life. We can enjoy the blessing of contentment (I Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5-6). Christ's death on the cross brought Him satisfaction (Isaiah 53:11; Hebrews 12:2). We, too, should derive our satisfaction in life, from the one who loved us and gave himself for us (Galatians 2:20). The fourth chapter of Philippians offers us a lot of things to help us focus on this point.

Let's consider:

* Joy in the Lord — eternal pleasure cp. temporary pleasure. Philippians 4:4 (This gives confidence cp. Philippians 3:3)

* A gentle, patient spirit towards man, before the Lord. Philippians 4:5 (cp. II Timothy 2:24-26; James 1:19-20

* Anxiety conquered through prayer and thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6-7

* A wholesome thought-life, which blossoms into obedience. Philippians 4:8-9

* Getting our lessons about life from the Lord. Philippians 4:10-11

* Get our priorities and instructions from the Lord (Philippians 4:8; 10-11; 1:21; 2:5; 3:10-15) and we will be satisfied: able to "do all things" (that we are supposed to be doing) through the power and love of Christ. Philippians 4:13

* Remember that God has thought of everything that you need. He is aware of all that has happened, is happening, and ever will happen to you. God is committed to your complete care. Philippians 4:19 (cp. Romans 8:28-39; Job 23:10)