A well-known poem by Rudyard Kipling begins with these lines:

If you can dream — and not make dreams your master;

If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

The poem ends with:

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

And — which is more — you’ll be a Man, my son!

Since first reading those words over 50 years ago I have found them inspiring and challenging. Kipling was addressing a subject the Apostle Paul wrote about in his letter to the Philippians: “… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (PhilIippians 4:11-13, NIV)

Kipling’s approach and Paul’s differ, however. Kipling considers the ability to deal rationally with extremes in circumstances to be the measure of a man. He challenges the reader to strive for that kind self-control.

By contrast, Paul clearly says that he could be content whatever the situation. But he could not do this in his own strength. Paul does what he does through the spiritual strength Christ gives.

I recommend taking on the challenge Paul’s way.

Pastor Dan York can be reached at Dover Community Church