Composure, Accommodating Oneself, Suitable

Originally posted on October 29, 2009 – by André Piet

Last Sunday I spoke about Philippians 4:4–7. In doing so, I naturally also pointed to verse 5, where we read:

“Let your kindness be known to all people” (NBG)
“Let your modesty be known to all people” (Statenvertaling)
“Let your accommodating spirit be known to all people” (Telos)

During the study I argued that the rendering “accommodating spirit” comes closest to the Greek word epieikēs. That word also fits perfectly in the context of Philippians 4:6. The verse stands enclosed between “Rejoice in the Lord always” (verse 4) and “Be anxious for nothing” (verse 6). Whoever realizes that all of life is in good hands and that nothing ever goes wrong with GOD has every reason to rejoice always. Such a person can therefore be free from anxiety. And such a person will also become known for his or her accommodating spirit, that is: the ability to adapt to the circumstances of life. Not as an achievement or an art of living, but as the fruit of realizing who GOD is. Even when we pray, we thank Him in the same breath (4:6), because He always gives above and beyond all that we ask or think. We ask for silver, but He gives gold!

That is what Philippians 4 is speaking about. Paul knew from experience what abundance was, but also what poverty was (4:12). He knew sorrow and tears (3:18). Yet in all these circumstances he was strong in his Lord (4:13). The realization that everything falls under God’s perfect direction enables us to rejoice continually and to yield ourselves thankfully to the circumstances of life.

How remarkable that rejoicing and yielding to the circumstances of life are so closely linked.

Delen: