Paul's life was not really the best.
Of course, his mouth kept getting him in trouble. Something about being an apostle/prophet that excuses one from necessarily being politically correct. As Nephi said - he knew he'd spoken hard things against the wicked, but the righteous he'd justified and validated. Brigham Young said that hit pigeons flutter - meaning that those who have been struck by something are the ones who make the noise about it...
Paul's attitude in the beginning of this book (Philippians) is interesting. He's writing from prison. He's in prison for supposedly preaching false doctrine in an effort to stir up insurrection against the leaders of the populace. This, of course, was not true. Yet Paul does not let this get him down. He notes that his bonds have become somewhat of a rallying cry for those who want to preach. This makes him happy. It also seems to give some credibility to his cause that could come in no other way...
As I contemplate the negative things that many I love are called to go through, I am also struck by how these negative experiences are, with the proper attitude, turned to the benefit of many. Some of these things are just too personal to share. But an easy example may be seen in the effects of a natural disaster. Yes, no one would choose to have a natural disaster happen. But the outpouring of brotherly interest and charity is amazing to witness. I have personally witnessed incredible selfless acts of service and devotion - with absolutely no hope of recognition or reward - that warm my soul and have touched the lives of many, even beyond those immediately being served. These people are truly heroes, and it is their attitude about life that is what is at once infectious and inspiring.
I think that's the lesson from Paul in the early part of this book. Attitude determines altitude.
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