Philippians 4:12-13
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.”
Whenever advancement and honor come to a man, it won’t be long until what he is made of becomes apparent to all who know him. A blessing from God that is seen as a reward will often become a thing forgotten, unappreciated and even flaunted in the face of others. It’s been my observation that people generally can deal better with their poverty than with the riches that may come their way. Things, nice things obtained by riches, can bring out in us an unfaithful heart toward God. It happens when we begin to look upon what we have as if it were something we deserve. We can also begin to view our possessions as things designed to bring us satisfaction and meaning, but in reality that is not the case.
We, of all people, should know that what we have is on loan to us from the good hand of our great God. If we forget the “Blesser” who has blessed us and instead look at the “blessings”, we can easily get puffed up or conceited as though we had something to do with what we have. The greater your position or wealth, the greater the struggle against self-admiration and idolatry.
Someone may say, “But Jack, isn’t it the rich, the beautiful, the powerful and the healthy who are better off in this life, while I plod along in insignificance, pain, and sorrow?” Certainly, they are better off to our selfish eyes and lustful minds but God looks upon the heart and soul of a man. The better question would be, “Is this man or woman, regardless of his or her stature in life, rich toward God?” We, of all people in America, should be the most thankful, obedient, happy, and joyful people on the planet because God has been so good to us in this terrible world of pain and suffering. But are we? Are you rich today toward God? If you are, then you are richer than rich; you are blessed!
– Pastor Jack
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