By David Faust
In the past, people exchanged formal greetings by saying things like “Good morning” or “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Today, you’re lucky to get a head nod and a quick “Hi” or “Hey.”
And what about the common greeting, “How ya’ doin’?” Whether it’s a casual acquaintance, a stranger, or even a close friend who asks, most of the time they don’t want a literal answer. Do they really want to know about my arthritic shoulder or my leaky roof? Should I tell them I’m irritated with my nosy neighbor, annoyed by a cantankerous church member, and aggravated by America’s politics? Do they need inside information about my aches and pains, or the frustrations I face at work?
Here’s a suggestion. The next time someone asks how you’re doing, tell them you’re “Pantastic!” Note the spelling. Not fantastic. (You don’t feel fantastic all the time.) No, my made-up word is pantastic—from the Greek panta, which means “all things” or “everything.” In the last two chapters of Philippians the apostle Paul uses panta three times to drive home important points about the Christ-centered life.
Give It Up . . . as a Sacrifice
First, Paul says, “I consider everything [panta] a loss” (Philippians 3:8, New International Version). Everything in the “win” column of Paul’s life—his achievements, honors, and possessions—he was willing to put in the “loss” column. Why? “Because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ” (v. 8).
It’s not that Paul’s accomplishments didn’t matter. It’s just that the sparkling diamond of knowing Christ makes the Crown Jewels of England look like rubbish by comparison. Who wouldn’t trade a pile of garbage for a treasure chest filled with heavenly riches?
“How are you doing?” Pantastic. If you’ve already counted everything as loss, you have nothing to lose!
Offer It Up . . . in Prayer
Next, Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every [panti, a form of panta] situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Prayer is relevant in every situation. When you’re worried, tell God about it. When you’re concerned about others, lift them up before God’s throne. When you’re thankful, express your gratitude to the giver of every good and perfect gift. God cares about all of it. Prayer gives voice to all of it.
“How are you doing?” Pantastic. You’re lifting everything up in prayer, asking God to improve it, empower it, forgive it, redirect it, or help you endure it.
Live It Up . . . by God’s Power
Paul concludes, “I can do all [panta] this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). In all circumstances, God’s power is sufficient. Every challenge can be faced with the strength he provides. Every burden can be carried with his help.
“How are you doing?” Pantastic. The “God of peace” is teaching you “the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:9-12).
Now, if you use my made-up word, listeners may mistakenly think you’re saying “fantastic.” But if you get the chance, tell them about the all-powerful, all-wise Lord who never fails, who is with us no matter what. That’s pretty pantastic, don’t you think?
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Married for Good.
Author: Christian Standard
Contact us at **@********************ia.com
