Many people know how to live humbly, but have never learned how to live with abundance. When they are lifted to a high place, they grow unsteady and are in danger of falling. More often than not, a Christian brings reproach on his faith in times of prosperity rather than in times of hardship. Prosperity is a dangerous season. The furnace of affliction is often a gentler test than the refining fire of success.
How often have God’s very gifts produced spiritual weakness—neglect of prayer, loss of devotion, and thinness of soul! And yet this need not be so, for the apostle tells us plainly, “I know how to abound.” When Paul had much, he knew how to use it wisely. God gave him abundant grace so that he could carry abundant blessings. When his sails were full, his ship was weighted with ballast—and so he sailed safely.
It takes more than human wisdom to hold a cup filled to the brim with earthly joy without spilling it. Yet Paul learned this holy skill, for he says, “In all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry.” To know how to live with abundance is a lesson God Himself must teach. Israel once had plenty, yet while the food was still in their mouths, the wrath of God fell upon them. Many have asked for blessings simply to satisfy selfish desires. Full tables have often led to proud hearts, and pride has led to spiritual ruin.
Too often, when God gives us much in providence, we experience little of His grace—and show little gratitude for His kindness. We are filled, and we forget God. Satisfied with earth, we grow careless about heaven. Make no mistake: it is far harder to know how to live full than how to live hungry. Human nature easily drifts into pride and forgetfulness when life is comfortable.
Therefore, be careful to pray—not only for daily bread—but also for wisdom to handle abundance. Ask God to teach you, as He taught Paul, how to be full.
“Let not the gifts Thy love bestows
Estrange our hearts from Thee.”