How much is really enough?

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments."- Timothy 4:13

Dad, why don’t we buy a computer? All the rest of the kids in my class have them." At first your reaction is, "We need a home computer like we need a third wheel on a bicycle." You begin thinking about it, however, and you do not want your child to be handicapped by not developing motor-visual coordination and other learning skills. Then the salesman gives you a pitch about how computers are the wave of the future, and youngsters without knowledge of computers will be absolutely left out by the time they graduate.

As you mull over this information, you begin to think how a computer would be great to keep track of your investments. You flip though a magazine, impressed by the beautiful layout, and think how computes could also enhance your own learning skills and develop your motor coordination. You are told what an asset the computer would be in entertainment and business.

Here is the process. At first, it is an "unnecessary extravagance," then it becomes a "that-would-be-nice-to-have" sort of thing. Next your thought process moves to another level–the "I really need that." Now you are one step from the bottom line that is "I have to have that!" So you buy it. You really did not need it, but you convinced yourself that you did. You really could not afford it nor do you have a place for it, but you sign up to make those 24 easy payments, ignoring the high interest you will pay. Madness has possessed people–the madness of thinking that the good life is found in accumulation and that "more is better".

We have become hypnotized by the media advertising that makes extravagances appear to be essential. In the process, we have lost sight of the needs of anyone but ourselves. We have satiated ourselves with an endless abundance of things–most of which will be obsolete in two years and need repairs in far less time than that. How much do we really need today? For a born-again Christian, the question is more important than ever before. Do we really believe that we have not only a responsibility to use our resources for the glory of God, but also agreed to be directly involved with the suffering of humanity? Has God smiled upon us to satiate us with indulgence, or has He blessed us that we may bless those not as fortunate as we?

It is a rather uncomfortable issue, right? But it is one that must be faced. We give token acknowledgement to the truth that Christ is Lord, but we grudgingly refuse to admit that what we have is not ours but His. Our resources and possessions are given to use for His glory, never to abuse in fulfilling our lusts or desires.

How much is enough? I cannot answer that question for you, but I know that the Holy Spirit will clearly speak to your heart if you are willing to submit that question to our Heavenly Father. I suspect that He will tell you what He has been telling me in recent months: "You need far less than you think, My son." And when you say, "Yes, Lord–that is fine with me too!" you will be amazed at the freedom and joy that comes to your heart. There is freedom in simplicity, the kind that is driven by the desire to put an end to the vast accumulation of things that control us and also exhaust our resources.

Resource reading: Psalm 1

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