Abased or Abounding
November 21st, 2008 | Michael Q. Pink
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
While we may not like it when we are abased, Paul teaches us to find contentment. In other words, don’t let your sense of well being be determined by your current financial condition. Current financial conditions, whether good or bad, are subject to change. They are temporal in nature. Contentment on the other hand can be a perpetual choice.
Some time ago, I was asked to join with Dave Ramsey, Charles Stanley, Os Hillman, Steve Marr, Dennis Peacocke, Peter Lowe, John Mason, Paul J. Meyer and about twenty other financial guys and put together a book called How to Manage a Million Dollars or Less. My contribution was called, The Seven Laws of Increase. So much of what was shared in that book is so relevant today because many people are finding themselves in the “Or Less” category.
I want to encourage you today to fight for your peace of mind, hold on to your contentment and if you are interested in getting that book for only $7, click here while supplies last. Have a blessed weekend.
November 21st, 2008 at 9:50 am
Phillipians 4:11-13 = $7.00 times “x” number of buyers
I suggest Matthew 21:12-13
I truly enjoy your messages until your turn them into cash for you. It’s almost like you can turn each bible verse into financial gain. Perhaps you don’t see it that way. It’s possible you will see my comment as some form of criticism, but so be it, it is what it is. Anyway, I like “selling among wolves” a lot. Thank you for that. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Mark
November 21st, 2008 at 10:37 am
Hi Mark;
I like commercial free tv too.
On this blog, I try to offer something of value that is along the lines of the teaching. I think it’s better than offering unrelated consumer products just to be offering something.
If you have a better idea on how to finance the running of a company that focuses on laboring hard to find and disperse good information, I would truly be wide open to it.
Until I know of a better way to support this work, I will continue to make available resources to help folks while also delivering a message of value and worth. I think it’s better to offer value and give folks a chance to purchase than it is to solicit a donation. A business model should stand on its own in my humble opinion.
I appreciate your support and understand your criticism.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:18 am
Nothing happens in this big world until someone sells something. Think about it.
I enjoy the sales profession,and have worked as a professional insurance agent for the past 20 years. It is how I support my family,and it has been good to me!
The greatest reward however,is not financial. It is seeing the hand of God work in individuals lives,as the Holy Spirit works through me to accomplish his good work.
Michael the Holy Spirit is doing his good work through you.
Jim
November 21st, 2008 at 11:41 am
Thank you Jim. I appreciate your support and your understanding!
November 21st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
“Contentment on the other hand can be a perpetual choice.”
Is there a difference between contentment and just not caring about the outcome? Another way to ask the question is, “How can I be passionate about what God has me doing and indifferent about the outcome?” What am I missing?
November 21st, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Jim,
I guess preachers should work for free, yet Paul says the workman is worth his wage, and don’t muzzle the ox while treading out the grain. Your view is contrary to Scripture. Sorry to be so blunt about it, but it is what it is. Otherwise we all should work for free. That is more a collectivist mindset which is again is contrary to Scripture and sound thinking.
Michael, keep doing what you’re doing. Really, you ARE giving stuff away for free in your blog postings, and if we want to dive deeper, that’s our choice. Even if we don’t buy, it does cost us something to read the posts, and if we implement the info in the posts, it does cost us something in terms of effort, discipline, etc.
I’ve said this before here, nothing in life is free. The greatest cost ever paid is what God paid for us in the form of His Son. That is how the universe operates, whether we like it or not.
Blessings,
Dennis
November 21st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Dennis,
I am turely sorry for the misunderstanding. I never meant that a preacher or anyone else for that matter should work for free. I do not work for free. I get paid for the service or product I provide.
What I was trying to illustrate is that God uses me to minister to the individuals who have sought out my services. It is very rewarding to me, that God works through me, to meet the needs of his children,while I am working to meet the needs of my family. (Market Place Evanaglism)
Gary,I am sorry to be so blunt,but this is not contary to Scripture. It is also not contary to Scriptue to sell a product while ministering the word of God.
Jim
November 21st, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Chip Brogden of the School of Christ posted on the same verse today. Here is the link http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/contentment.html He too makes some interesting observations.
As for Michael’s sales pitch, he is offering high value products for a song given the wisdom he expresses on this blog & in his books & products. As an Aussie, I have issue with the “beating around the bush” style because in Australia we tend to view this method as hype. No need for long windedness if you are selling quality stuff. Not everything sells the same way in different cultures around the world regardless of a common language as in our case.
November 21st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Dear Readers,
I have had the most successful financial year ever! Praise God! However, I am in
the midst of one the worst physical years in regard to health. I am willing to give all the funds away for a normal digestive system and stable emotional health. The increased funds however has allowed me to support other ministries and buy supplements needed and help friends and family, but without health money seems in perspective rather void of fulfilling. I suppose the scripture Mike quoted by Paul of tarsus is applicable on many different fronts. I don’t have the desire now to do anything but get well. I am struggling to do my job daily. Thank you for your posts Michael and God bless us all this Thanksgiving. I am counting blessings. I had my dog put to sleep today due to health reasons and am sad. It’s been a day and a half. But God is rich in mercy
I need His grace and mercy…. that’s an account that I would love to keep in surplus all the time…
November 24th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
This one was fantastic. really. i was needing something like this. to be contentment
thanks.