Punching a Grizzly Bear

It was a hot, sticky day in July.  We were winding up a week of Jr. High camp.  There had been some major thunderstorms so the air was thick!  About half way through the week, there began to be a strong smell around the gym.  The smell of a dead animal.  You know it.  It had to be strong since we were at a Jr. High week and we could smell it over the aroma of non-bathing boys.  At first we suspected a rat. Then a possum. Finally, a deer.  It was big.  Well, on the last day of camp when everyone was saying their tear-filled goodbyes, one of the campers came crying from the back of the gym.  She was sobbing hysterically.  We finally got the idea from her sobs that we needed to go behind the gym.  My friend Eric and I went back there and we found a sight that we never expected.  One of the camp dogs had gotten wedged between the wall and some stacked lumber hiding from a storm and probably died of a heart attack.  It was sad, but man he looked alive. He was standing there, eyes wide open.  You would have thought he could play fetch until you smelled him.

     Some of us are like that.  We look alive and ready to play until you smell us.  Often, the only one that can smell us is God.  We can cover our stench to those around us.  But God smells the pungent odor of a greedy, weak Christian.  We all know that a Christian can seem alive but really be dead.  Just read the first three chapters of Revelation.  I submit to you one way that we don't normally consider that reveals our level of health.  Paul told the Philippians  in chapter 4 vs. 18, that their gifts to help the gospel were a "fragrant offering, and acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."  I understand that if we are giving back out of what God has loaned us, we smell good to God.  If we are not giving, we can infer that we may just stink.  It's a sign of spiritual health.  Why is giving so important to our spiritual well-being?  Does God need our money?  Not truly.  It is one of the most real ways we can relate to the sacrifice of God.  Giving up what we want to help others.  When we give until it challenges us, we can catch a small glimpse into the heart of God.  

     Besides our odor problem or lack thereof, Paul reminds us of some important lessons about giving.  First he ties together their giving with the Philippians concern for him.  If we don't give, we don't care.  We give, we care.  Pretty simple, but we try to make excuses as to why we hold on  to our treasure.  Next, Paul applies learning to do without when you are the recipient of offerings but we can learn a lot as a giver.  Now buckle up, buttercup.  I am about to blow your mind.  Philippians 4:13 does not directly refer to your sports activities, test taking, job interviews, mud wrestling, sudoku puzzles, Angry Birds, or lottery chances.  The main point of this verse is contentment.  The ability to make it on a little because God is with you.  Trusting God through lean times as well as the good times.  Paul had learned this blessing.  I struggle with it.  But we can survive the difficult times in life because Christ gives us strength.  Even when if seems as if we are all alone.  

     Here's the icing on the cake.  MMMMMM, cake.  The church at Philippi had learned to give at the beginning of their Christian walk (vs. 15).  That's when we need to teach others to give. From day one. Not when they get settled, or when they get a high-paying job.  Now.  When you have a little, give.  When you have a lot, give.  When you're dripping from the baptistry, give.  If we can learn the lesson early on that we can survive when there are cobwebs in the piggy bank because Jesus is guiding and providing, we will smell better all the days of our life.  We will learn a valuable lesson.  God will supply all of our needs in Christ Jesus.  Perhaps not the 'wants' that may hurt us but the needs that sustain us.  So, you're welcome. Now you know not to punch a Grizzly Bear in the face while shouting, "Philippians 4:13."

Please read Philippians 4:10-20