51/365: How Much Is Enough?

Then he [Jesus] said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” ~ Luke 12:15

Keeping God first and the needs of others in plain sight helps us to become a "walking blessing."

That extra can of food in the cupboard may be more than someone in your community will eat today.

There is nothing wrong with abundance. Just be careful not to make "abundance" your "god".

GO DEEPER: Philippians 4: 10-13

NEXT STEP: Today, would you ask God to show where you are abundant? Then seek ways to bless others.

Shannon Sisco

on 02/27/2023 at 06:48 AM

I’ve let God down on numerous occasions. He’s blessed me and I-have not been a good steward with the money. I’m asking the Holy Spirit to guide me step by step to not follow worldly ways. Today in church, they called it “stuffeshness”. It really hit home with me. Include me in your prayers if you remember please.

Kevin Miller

on 02/20/2023 at 07:08 PM

I grew up with next to nothing. I’ve seen many people go hungry, pack things like school supplies and clothing. I’ve seen many people abuse the system in place too, requesting help when it’s not really needed or using the help to enable them to buy alcohol or drugs. I give to my church regularly and I support two children with compassion international and I give to a few other things as well. I’m not hoarding possessions but I’m not as generous as I could be sometimes because I have seen people abuse generosity.

Ethan Rogers

on 02/20/2023 at 06:03 PM

Enough is never enough. That is part of human nature that consumes, this is our sin-nature, part of what we were born with of our flesh. Ever watch hoarders? I was very successful at one time and could buy whatever I wanted...and I did. I was an extreme example of selfish. These possessions were my life. I would have defended them with my life. I was cocky and felt superior to others. Ultimately I was humbled. All that stuff is now gone. I don't know why except that I am a completely different man today, poor, but sain and comfortable with what I have, that I view as a blessing and not something I deserve. When people say "it is what it is" I see that as what God's will is. I am exactly where I am supposed to be at this time in my life. Thank You God for transforming my greed and gluttony into a humble, modest (meek) follower of Christ. God is good !

Ashley Jarvis

on 02/20/2023 at 05:25 PM

I am coming out of a very greedy season. I had amassed a fortune of worldly possessions, and through the process of recovery, the fallout of that life has taken most of those things with it. But, I’m sober, and most importantly, in relationship with Christ. I see now where every part of this process was necessary. Without pain, there is no growth. I see now that as God builds me back up, my direction is to be His glory and in helping others, rather than my bank account. I see where at each bend of this process, when I didn’t know how I was going to pay a bill, He showed me to sell something I’d acquired while in greed. One month at a time, one sale at a time, as my business slowed, I got smaller and smaller but God got bigger and bigger. I’m the least financially secure I’ve been in my adult life, yet I’m the most spiritually secure I’ve ever been. I’m full of hope, serenity, and this deep burning of safety that can only be described as miraculous, considering how an accountant or other person would assess things. They’d think me crazy. I guess I am by the worlds standards. Crazy in love with Christ, and it’s incredible 🙏🏻

deanoman777

on 02/20/2023 at 04:50 PM

As someone who grew up in poverty, this is a very real struggle for me. I have a tendency to hoard stuff and things. I always keep way more food than I need, because I remember what it felt like to be truly hungry.

Nick W

on 02/20/2023 at 04:04 PM

Thank you Lord, for reminding me that all good things come from you, and that we are to trust you to give us what we need in your own perfect timing. For myself, the only things that I've horded are stress and worry. As God has blessed me with family, I worried about them instead of trusting God, who held them in his hand all along. When he blessed me with a career, I worried, rather than trusting God who gave it to me and empowered me to do it in the first place. When he blessed us with a home and food and clothing, I worried about how to keep providing it for my family, rather than being content to do my best and to trust in God for the rest - who arranged and provided all of it, anyway. I have remained open-handed whenever I hear about a brother or sister in Christ who is in need, but I have done it with secret worry about how I will make up for the lack for my family, after we've given what was needed. How many times must I read "do not worry" in your word before I actually hear what you are telling me? Thank you, God, for patiently teaching me and for reinforcing that you are the God who gives, that you love us, and that you are trustworthy, and deserving of all praise, regardless of our current circumstance. In plenty or in want, I will worship you, Lord.

Jerome

on 02/20/2023 at 03:25 PM

The love of money and/or possessions will lead one down a dark, disastrous path. A tv show that I occasionally watch profiles various financial scams; the common theme, of course, being greed. It is interesting and alarming to see the evil intent of the perpetrators as well as the victims who fall prey to these scams - all for the love of money. Keep the faith and God will provide for your needs!

Delray

on 02/20/2023 at 02:26 PM

Money or possessions is not the source of evil or a sin. It's the love of these things, the power given to them by you that evil grows. Things come, things go but I strive to be as Peter, content in all situations. The Lord's portion is more than enough and I am forever grateful. We must understand the truth that the more given, the more required. Wake every morning and be satisfied with what the Lord has for you, then the world possessions have no power because you are already filled.

Brandon Pembleton

on 02/20/2023 at 02:25 PM

God guide me today to use my talents to help others not so much helping myself. I know and truly know the best way to help myself is to help others. That is something that is of the highest value and challenge. Help me to put you God at the forefront of everything I do today. That I inject you into my work and into my family time. Help me keep to always keep only you God on the mantle. Then to look to you as I got through my days responsibility and challenge so it is done your way God first and my way second. I love you God amen 🙏

Barry Percival

on 02/20/2023 at 02:18 PM

I’ve heard it both ways. I’ve met people who came from nothing and now has everything. They hoard because they had nothing. I’ve also met people who came from nothing and became successful and work to make sure those around them do not end up with nothing. Regardless of where or what you have, it is a heart issue. You came in with nothing and you’ll leave with nothing. The parable of the talents really speaks volumes!

Mike

on 02/20/2023 at 01:55 PM

As Rick Warren put it, you don’t need a U-Haul to get into heaven. We can’t take with us what was never really ours in the first place………………. I’m jus sayin

Boyce Moses

on 02/20/2023 at 01:22 PM

As we have been blessed, let us bless others. God has given to me so abundantly I freely give to those in need. Someday I may be in that position. Love you Jesus! 💛💜🤎🧡

Rick K

on 02/20/2023 at 01:17 PM

This is another good and timely devotional. I believe that surplus is for sharing. I think about the two extremes in the scriptures. One, when Joseph is called to Egypt to build a surplus during 7 years of plenty, then oversee it's distribution during 7 years of famine. Of course the other extreme is when Jesus told the story of the rich man who concerned himself with building barns to store his own surplus so that he would not want. Instead, his life was taken before he could enjoy his own abundance. Add to this the story of gathering manna in the old testament, and together they give us the lesson that it is better to be dependent upon the Lord than to keep surplus for ourselves. Thanks for that reminder!

51/365: How Much Is Enough?

Comments