“I know how to abound” (Philippians 4:12)

The Apostle Paul was able to grow spiritually when he had little, but the greater grace was he was also able to grow spiritually when he had abundance. Wealth is a greater spiritual challenge than poverty for most sinners and saints. This is the clear message of Christ when He said, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:23-24). 

 Both sinners and saints are less likely to seek God when they’re content with their lives. Many a saint has disgraced his reputation when blinded by wealth. Paul’s ability to handle wealth without forgetting God was by grace alone. Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Let’s see how we can imitate Paul. Because his focus was to glorify God in all things, he told the Philippians: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13). 

 Many saints ask for things that would compete with their affections for Christ. The safest way to pray is “Give me neither poverty nor riches ... Lest I be full and deny You, And say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9). Moses warned, “Beware ... lest — when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). 

 "Let not the gifts Thy love bestows Estrange our hearts from Thee."