"The Secret"

A prisoner ministered to a proselyte of Judaism which brought her to conversion along with the rest of her household. He also helped out a slave girl. His ministry caused him time with the magistrates where he was beaten with rods and taken to prison. This prisoner was known as the Apostle Paul. Everything was at stake for him. Paul was preaching a religion that was considered illegal to the Romans, and he was sent to jail because of it. However, Paul is the ideal example of finding contentment regardless of the situation.

There is a psychological principle known as cognitive behavioral thinking. It states that one can change the way they behave if they change their thinking pattern. This is seen in biblical context, especially when Paul instructs us to accept our circumstances.

Philippians 4 states, “ 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 every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (v. 12-13).” When Paul was sent to prison, it would be easy to think that his ministry would be over. However, Paul uses his mind and behavior to continue to glorify God.

Many of us have been placed in situations where it is hard to minister to others. Some of us have family members that do not want to hear the gospel. Others have work environments that are not conducive to sharing the message. Despite these circumstances, Paul has urged us that we can still minister to others through our mind and actions.

Romans 12:2 explains, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good and pleasing and perfect will.” If we learn to put our mind over the matter, we will grasp “the secret.” Just because we may be in a difficult circumstance or a situation where we are not allowed to share our faith, our behavior can still show our belief. I can't help but hear the words to the chorus, “They'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.”When we place our mind over the obstacle, our behavior becomes our voice. The voice that shows others the love of Christ.