Learning the Secret of Self-Sufficiency

In an encouraging letter to the Christians in Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote: “I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be self-sufficient. . . . In everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both how to be full and how to hunger, both how to have an abundance and how to suffer want.”—Philippians 4:11, 12.
 

What was the secret of Paul’s self-sufficiency? Considering the high cost of living and the economic instability of our time, it would surely be beneficial for true Christians to learn how to be self-sufficient so that they can keep focused on their service to God.
 

EARLIER in his letter, Paul recounted his former successful career. He said: “If any other man thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I the more so: circumcised the eighth day, out of the family stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born from Hebrews; as respects law, a Pharisee; as respects zeal, persecuting the congregation; as respects righteousness that is by means of law, one who proved himself blameless.” (Philippians 3:4-6) In addition, as a zealous Jew, Paul had a commission from and the backing of the chief priests in Jerusalem. All of this promised him power and prestige—political, religious, and no doubt financial—in the Jewish system.—Acts 26:10, 12.
 

When Paul became a zealous Christian minister, however, things changed drastically. For the sake of the good news, he willingly gave up his successful career and all that was previously considered important. (Philippians 3:7, 8) How was he now to care for himself? Would he be receiving wages as a minister? How would his personal needs be provided for?
 

Paul performed his ministry without any payment. So as not to be a burden on those he ministered to, he joined Aquila and Priscilla in tentmaking while in Corinth, and he did other things as well to sustain himself. (Acts 18:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10) Paul made three extensive missionary journeys, and he also traveled to congregations that needed a visit. Since he was fully occupied with the service of God, he had few material possessions. Usually the brothers provided for his needs. Sometimes, though, because of adverse circumstances, he suffered want and deprivation. (2 Corinthians 11:27; Philippians 4:15-18) Even so, Paul never complained about his lot, and he did not covet what others had. He willingly and happily worked hard for the benefit of fellow Christians. In fact, it was Paul who quoted the well-known words of Jesus: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” What an outstanding example for all of us!—Acts 20:33-35.
 

The Meaning of Self-Sufficiency
 

A major factor that contributed to Paul’s happiness and satisfaction was his sense of self-sufficiency. What, though, does it mean to be self-sufficient? Simply stated, it means being content with the basic things. Regarding this, Paul told Timothy, his companion in the ministry: “To be sure, it is a means of great gain, this godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.”—1 Timothy 6:6-8.
 

Note that Paul associated self-sufficiency with godly devotion. He recognized that true happiness comes from godly devotion, that is, from putting our service to God in first place, and not from material possessions or wealth. “Sustenance and covering” were but the means to the end that he could continue pursuing godly devotion. So for Paul the secret of self-sufficiency was to rely on Jehovah, no matter what the circumstances might be.
 

Many people today experience much anxiety and unhappiness because they are unaware of that secret or they ignore it. Rather than cultivating self-sufficiency, they prefer to put their trust in money and what money can buy. The advertising industry and the media make people feel that they cannot be happy unless they have the latest and the fanciest products and gadgets—and have them right away. Consequently, many fall prey to the pursuit of money and material things. Instead of finding happiness and satisfaction, they “fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.”—1 Timothy 6:9, 10.