Secrets Are Not Always What They Are Thought To Be

We yearn to be privy to the secrets of the rich, famous, healthy, and happy. We ask for the secrets that seem to have worked for them and know they will most definitely work for us. Like finding the buried treasure, we yearn to know the secret location and the key to unlocking the riches they are experiencing.

Sometimes the secret is as simple as an outlook. Other times it’s spendy. Just ask all those skin product users. It’s not just one, it’s a series of products, and by the time you buy them, you will have spent the better part of a “C” note. Or more.

The rich have their own recipes of what it takes to make and keep their wealth, and the famous (mostly entertainers) know they’ve sold their souls for their fans lauding praise. While the healthy, well, they all say the same thing only disguised with their personal slant, including supplements, equipment, and secret sauces. Happy people probably live it before others, but then their introverted shell kicks in when they are alone.

I am frequently asked about the secret to a long marriage. We have 47 years under the belt, headed to 65 and beyond. My answer is often simple – be the best friend to each other. A snippet of a declaration from one man was, “I would die for my wife.” That’s how good of a friend you should be!

Spiritual Secrets

Somewhere back in time, I sought answers to living a better spiritual life. As with all things spiritual, some items are geared to the individual since we are all uniquely different. Part of my modern routine is listening and reading to voices that speak my style of spirituality booster messages that keep me focused. Max Lucado is one of them. From his countless books and preparatory work for speaking to his church, there seems to be a continual thread of positivity that speaks to me and how I want to live.

It’s early morning, and I’m listening to Max share from one of his books that have been recharted with younger ears in mind, and I hear a snippet of favored writing from the Apostle Paul. Pause. Back it up (that’s why I would much rather listen to recordings than listen to it live!). Turn off the razor, listen again. What was the context? What was it I heard?

It was a unique translation of the Apostle Paul’s writing, and it spoke volumes to me. Though I know it by heart in the KJV, I had to look for this translation to share it with you.

Philippians 4:11-13, NCV

I am not telling you this because I need anything.
I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. 
I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens,
when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry,
when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. 
I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13, New Century Version

Now. This is not a secret. It’s published in many translations by so my publishers and printers. It’s used all around the world…

This is very important, and I hope you catch this…

It’s not a secret, but it is a Key.

I remember a song from many years ago… “It is no secret… What God can do… What he’s done for others. He’ll do for you!”

It’s not a secret. But it is the key to moving forward!

What’s The Key?

The Secret is widely published, but understanding the usage is more important than simply quoting the words or spending the money. The Key is recognizing that you are better off in any situation, no matter how tough it is when Christ is with you. He gives you the strength for the moment, situation, and outcome. Whatever it may be.

Paul tells how he learned to be “satisfied” with what he has and with everything that happens. Now, isn’t that a strange little sentence?

How do you “learn” something like this? No matter what most of us have, we want more. No matter what happens, we often wish for different outcomes. Paul was content to be satisfied with everything happening. How did he arrive at this conclusion? I suspect he understood his life in Christ so well that nothing shook his confidence!

Let Paul Challenge You!

Can you be satisfied no matter what happens?

When my bride and I received our pandemic vaccination shot (I refuse to use the “C” word anymore), we prayed, looked at each other, said, “I love you,” and knew our life could take a turn for the worse…all because of a shot in the arm. Attempting to combat the virus made us do it, but the cure is sometimes worse than worrying about getting something with no protection from a drug that has not yet been certified.

This world wants you to do it or not do it. They don’t care… As long as you do it the way they want you to! Follow their lead and everything will be “just right” (as Goldilocks finds out.) Find yourself on the wrong side of a choice (as in buying the right stock at the best time). Can you be content with the outcome of your possible mistake?

If you have the right Key, then I think you can be Satisfied no matter what…