Daily devotional – Only one thing pained Chrysostom
Philippians 4:11
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
When a believer truly grasps the meaning of God’s grace, a deep and abiding peace follows—a peace that enables one to overcome the world. This peace is not dependent on circumstances but on the unchanging character and promises of God.
An inspiring example of this is seen in the life of the early Church Father, John Chrysostom. When he was arrested by the Roman Emperor, efforts were made to pressure him into denying his faith in Christ. The Emperor consulted his advisers, seeking a way to break this faithful Christian.
“Shall I imprison him?” the Emperor asked.
“No,” a counsellor replied, “He would welcome the solitude. He longs for the quietness where he can commune with God and delight in His mercies.”
“Then I will have him executed,” said the Emperor.
“That will not trouble him either,” came the reply. “He says that to die is to be in the presence of his Lord, which he counts as gain.”
Frustrated, the Emperor asked, “What can we do to cause him pain?”
“There is only one thing that will grieve him,” said the adviser, “Make him sin. Chrysostom fears nothing except sin.”
What a powerful testimony! Chrysostom’s heart was so anchored in God’s will and grace that sin alone could disturb his peace. He had learned the secret of contentment in Christ and lived with eternity in view.
May we, like Chrysostom, learn to live with the same heavenly mindset—to be so immersed in the grace and will of God that the only thing we truly fear is sin. Let us take Paul’s words to Timothy to heart:
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”
—1 Timothy 6:11
“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
—2 Timothy 2:22
And may we remember Joseph’s example when faced with temptation:
“Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house.”
—Genesis 39:12
Contentment. Courage. Conviction. May these mark our lives as we seek to glorify Christ.