Contentment During Abundance
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philippians 4:11, 12
For the Christian to know contentment in lowliness and adversity is a sanctification indeed, for he has learned to place his eyes upon the immoveable Rock of Jesus Christ rather than upon the difficulties of his particular circumstances. But how much more sanctification is required to learn this same contentment when facing plenty and abundance? One may look at the comparison and think, “Surely if contentment can be learned in lowliness and hunger, it should come even easier when abundance and plenty are at hand.” But experience and history show us this is not so. For many men have been ensnared by the sudden appearance of a large financial portfolio, when their previously lean checking account was unable to do so.
Notoriety can make us proud where anonymity keeps us humble. Success and wealth can be more of a trap for men than trial and poverty ever was. It was CH Spurgeon who once said: “When some men are set upon the top of a pinnacle their heads grow dizzy, and they are ready to fall. The Christian far oftener disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous.” And, so it is.
It can be so easy to neglect our spiritual dependencies when we perceive our cups to be full to the brim. Herein lies a warning for the reader…if Providence has smiled upon you through the provision of financial wealth or great material advantage, be all the more diligent and careful. For as Thomas Watson remarked: “There is great danger in earthly prosperity. The spreading of a full table may be the spreading of a snare. Many have been sunk to hell, with golden weights!” And, so they have. As the Lord Jesus proclaimed: “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and yet forfeits his soul?”
-Pastor Craig