Devotionals

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This is one of the most profound of all verses in the Bible, having to do with the Christian life. It is about more than merely being content with the circumstances.

Paul says that he knows more than simply how to be abased (gracefully, or with faith and patience). He also knows how to abound (to receive blessings or approval while still keeping the mind on God's glory). But then he tells us that he is "instructed" by these two:
"...everywhere, and in all things...to be both full and hungry." That he is "instructed" means more than that he has experienced them, or even learned from them. It means that they are not accidents, but the will of God, sent to teach us. And, it means more: That they should both be present in all circumstances of life, at the same time. Yes, we should be both full and hungry at all times, regardless of conditions.

To be full is to be satisfied, content. To be hungry is to desire more. This is the sublime tension, or balance, in the Christian life. The dichotomy produces harmony. Just as one tunes a stringed instrument by tightening or loosening the tension on the strings, balance in our Christian lives is only achieved by being both full and hungry simultaneously. Neither by itself creates a balanced individual, and God gets little glory from either abasing us or causing us to abound, if that is all.

Notice that at first Paul uses two words which describe external conditions, of being abased or abounding. But next he gets personal, and describes an internal response, in the words "full," and "hungry". The world may put us down, and circumstances may be difficult. Or, things may go the other way, and we abound. But, to be full or hungry is an inner description of how we feel--our response to the conditions.

When we are abased, when we suffer need, we must be content, not only with what we have received, but with God himself. This is to be thankful, to abound in praise, and to consider his approval sufficient. We must see ourselves as rich, in the sure knowledge that our future is in His hands (and even compared to our previous lives without God). We should use the precious opportunity for growth.

When we are lifted up by men, our needs all met, and no problems on the horizon, we must yet be hungry for more--more of God, and his approval, and more personal growth as a Christian. We must see ourselves as needy, poor, and wanting improvement.

"Everywhere and at all times" the instruction of circumstances(and life itself) is that we must grow or die. And to grow we must keep moving forward and upward. Either contentment without hunger or hunger without contentment will retard that growth. Think about it: The first leads to sloth and dullness of mind and spirit, and is an insult to what God made us for. It leads also to stagnation. The second alternative means we have resentment and disatisfaction with the way things are. That is an accusation against God (and if that is the case, we should certainly admit it to God, so he can help us change).

No, we cannot always control what happens to us, but our response is determined by our attitude, and that by whether we are seeking only for self, or for God (which is to commit ourselves to him: He will never abandon us, and things can only go so far as He sees is ultimately good for us--eternally good. Ro. 8:28).

Hunger and contentment at the same time: That is to be our answer to "all things" that come upon our lives. When I can say this from the bottom of my heart, the Devil has lost a major foothold and weapon against me--yes, he has really lost the war. Can I do it? Not on my own, but see verse 13: "I can do all things, through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me." Praise God that this battle, like all others, is really the Lord's--if we will give it to him.

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