February 10, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"I know how to abound." — Philippians 4:12 · KJV

There are many who know "how to be abased" who have not learned "how to abound." When they are set on the top of a pinnacle their heads grow dizzy, and they are ready to fall. The Christian far more often disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the refining-pot of prosperity. Oh, what leanness of soul and neglect of spiritual things have been brought on by the very mercies and bounties of God! Yet it need not be so, for the apostle tells us that he knew how to abound. When he had much, he knew how to use it; abundant grace enabled him to bear abundant prosperity. When his sail was full, he carried plenty of ballast, and so floated safely. It takes more than human skill to carry the brimming cup of earthly joy with a steady hand, yet Paul had learned that skill, for he says, "In all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry." It is a divine lesson to know how to be full, for Israel was full once, but while the meat was yet in their mouths the wrath of God came upon them. Many have asked for mercies only to satisfy their own lusts. Fullness of bread has often led to fullness of blood, and that to wantonness of spirit. When we have much of God's providential mercy, we often have little of His grace, and little gratitude for the bounties we have received; we are full, and we forget God; satisfied with earth, we are content to do without heaven. Be assured it is harder to know how to be full than how to be hungry, so strong is human nature's tendency to pride and forgetfulness of God. Take care, then, to ask in your prayers that God would teach you "how to be full," and let not the gifts His love bestows estrange your heart from Him.