Autarkeia

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11, NKJV).

Charlie Munger, a seasoned investor and one of the wealthiest people in the world, once said that the world is driven by envy. The problem is, no matter how much we accumulate, there's always someone richer. As a result, this discontentment lingers in our hearts, adding to our stress.

It feels like there has never been a time as challenging as now, driven by envy and the anxiety of comparing ourselves to others. The influence of social media fuels a competition to flaunt wealth, achievements, positions, and all the worldly things that can be showcased. As the Preacher says in Ecclesiastes 4:4, “Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.”

People are driven by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). We don't want to be left behind. When others have this and that, when others flaunt this and that, then we want them too! We compete for how many likes or views we can get on social media. Then we feel depressed when we see others doing better, or when we're mocked and compared to others.

That's the stress of this generation.

Paul introduced a deeply meaningful term in his letter to the Philippians, the word is "Autarkeia." This Greek word, when translated into English, simply means “sufficiency", "contentment”, or "enough”. He wrote in Philippians 4:10-12, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content (autarkeia): I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

How could Paul feel content in all circumstances?

Because of one thing.

That one thing is Jesus. Paul declared that having Jesus means we have everything.

Jesus is enough.

My friend, it's true that in this world, we have many needs and desires. Often, we feel pressured when what we want doesn't happen, or even something we believe we desperately need is lacking.

But Paul unveiled the key to contentment and sufficiency in every situation. If we can hold onto one thing, that having Jesus is enough. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13, ESV).

And Paul did not stop there; he reminded us in the following verses, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19, ESV).

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," David sang in Psalm 23. Having Jesus as our shepherd is enough. We have everything because Jesus has poured Himself out for us, and we can be sure that in Him, we will not lack. The shepherd never withholds Himself, and he is what we want more than anything else.

If you ever feel stressed and pressured because you're comparing yourself to others, remember that having Jesus is enough, and He is more than everything. Jesus takes care of us. He is faithful.

Be assured that our God is not a careless Father who leaves us alone. Our Father will always supply all our needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus.

Jesus is enough.