I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4L12

For meditation

It is interesting to know the number of people who go through the same circumstances and situations, but only a few learn and have their lives transformed. What is it that makes the difference? Would it be an overreach to suggest commitment as the key in this matter?

When you look keenly through the pages of sacred scripture, they will confront you with examples of transformed lives after God calls them to Himself. But note how their commitment shaped their lives and ministry. Their commitment influenced their thinking—what to bring to the table and what to take from it. Think about Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Joshua, Caleb, Ruth, David, Jeremiah, Daniel, the apostles after Pentecost, and many others. Their total commitment to the Lord and His call on their lives set them apart from people like King Saul and Judas Iscariot.

Remember Paul’s mentality in Philippians 1:21? “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

How about his sacrifice: “But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ…” (3:7-11)?

And how about this? “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (4:12-13).

Do you realize how Paul’s commitment to the Lord and His call conditioned his life? Otherwise, how could he have endured all the troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments and riots, sleepless nights, and hunger (2 Cor. 6:4-10)? How then could he not confidently declare victory at the end of his life (2 Tim. 4:7-8)?

So, how committed are you to the Lord and His call upon your life? How has it shaped your thinking and motives (Rm. 12:2)? How has it determined your sacrifice and surrender (1)? How has it conditioned your focus and endurance (Heb. 12:1-2)?  

I pray that this brings you to a deeper meaning of the Mark 12:30 scripture that commands us to love the Lord with every fiber of our being. And may your absolute commitment to the Lord influence and shape your marriage, family, work, and every aspect of your life for the glory of God!