The SUV Driven Life?
The world of advertising promises us countless things: life, adventure, independence, success...
We find our security in these items, we trust the literature and the images we see of how these products will perform. Look no further than the SUV culture.
Driving an SUV tells those around us: 'Gas prices going up? We have the money and can afford it' or 'It's still a hybrid' or 'I go camping/off-roading (or could but probably don't)' or 'This protects my family'.
I'll admit not all SUV drivers think this way or desire to have these types of things thought about them.
Those that do are in the minority but these individuals, I'm willing to assume, show themselves best when the weather strikes. Be it extreme snow and rain, they are the ones flying by you on the highway at high speeds, often tailgating or changing lanes quickly and cutting people off.
If I'm honest, quickly my thoughts go towards harm to these individuals - harm in the form of seeing them in the ditch further down the road. And yes, I do catch myself smiling as I pass when this hope has become a reality.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me._Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
Oh how I have grown to hate hearing this passage and passages like it. Worse than a simple proof texting pushing some moralist thought, is one that has then been given as justification for success, greed, and desire. That somehow that by having enough faith, one might be given the strength to overcome any adversity they might face.
These types of teachings and understandings are like the SUV advertising promising adventure and a lifestyle if only you purchase/buy into the concept enough.
But it's a farce - a fake - an empty promise. And we all know it.
Even in the best of us we believe that if we do A then B (our desired outcome) will occur. Especially if the desire is of God, maybe not even of God but if it's simply a greater good. Yet when we see those in positions of higher moral stature fail, like seeing the SUV in the ditch, we take pride in that moment and can respond with 'Serves them right' or 'Figures.'The place this verse back into it's full context, we see have a much better idea what Paul meant when by being able to do all things:
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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... Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles._Philippians 4:11-12,14 (NIV)
A life of faith is not one of reckless abandon, nor is it one of adventure. A life of faith is one of intention, that in each moment - choosing to trust, in faith, that we have within us a role in bringing forth the Kingdom here and now.
This is the true risk Paul speaks of - believing that we might trust that even in this, He is there. In the midst of struggle, heartbreak, and loss we have the strength to continue on - if all that means is taking one more breath.
In doing so, we remember that we are in this together, that we share in the struggle AND the joy.