A Little Bit More

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do
flows from it

-- Proverbs 4:23

   

When it comes to having money, what's considered enough? Maybe you agree with billionaire J. Paul Getty and humorist Will Rogers, who were both credited with answering that it's always just a little bit more.

Whoever made this observation, it underscores the fact that most of us would rather have too much money and excess possessions than go without. And obviously, being blessed with abundance is often a very good thing. But with riches come hazards. The author of Proverbs 30:8 put it this way through this petition to his Maker:

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread."

Christ-followers must therefore walk a fine line on this issue. On one hand, having too little might cause us to wonder if God still cares for us. But if our stomachs and bank accounts are always full, we're the ones who can stop caring about God! The Apostle Paul had a solution to this problem, which he related in his letter to the Philippians:

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Rich or poor, we all need to be satisfied that we actually share in the greatest treasure of all--our Savior, Jesus Christ! And He wants us to trust Him--not our talents, education or finances. We claim to count on Jesus for our eternal salvation. But do we also trust this same God to provide for our daily needs? If not, maybe it's time for a change of heart...while seeing things from His point of view. First, we need to discipline our desires and be satisfied with all He has given us. For instance, buying the newest, shiniest and most state-of-the-art gadget isn't always necessary if last year's model is still working fine. And we must also acknowledge the reality of our circumstances. If we're spending more and more of our income for the sake of keeping up with the neighbors, a healthy reality check can put things into much-needed perspective.

Remember, compared to most of the world, Americans are incredibly rich. When we're hungry for a snack, we just walk to the kitchen and open the refrigerator door. And if we're running low on supplies, a quick trip to the supermarket or Walmart can solve that problem in minutes. (Just put everything on The Card.) What's more, even Americans who receive government assistance are rich by most standards because they can have extra at month's end...plus free time to share with others. But regardless of our place on the economic ladder, Christ-followers are called to give--not to get. That's because God continues to bless us with so much.

So are you up for a real challenge? Then ignore the world's corrupt message about wealth and prosperity. And while you're thinking about your bank account, do you have enough...or could use just a little bit more?