Articles
When is Enough, Enough?
I think many of us have dreams where we have vacation houses, the big boat we always
wanted, maybe a new car or two, maybe it’s that patch of hunting woods you always wanted.
Things, we think about things, things we want, things we wish we had, things our neighbors have
that we don’t. We want that raise at work or that new job that will let us make just a little more.
We need to ask ourselves how much is enough? If your household brings in just $34,000 dollars
a year after taxes, you are in the top 1% of the world earners. The global median income is just
$1,225 a year. Yet we often find ourselves discontent with what we have.
And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may
obtain eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is
only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Then he said
to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not com- mit
adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother;
and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to Him, “All these things I
have kept; what am I still lacking?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell
your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow
Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who
owned much property (Matthew 19:16- 22).
When things become our focus, then God will ask us to give up our things. We truly are a
blessed people, yet what do you do with your blessings? Are they a distraction? Is work more
important than church? Do you spend more on hobbies and entertainment than you give to the
Lord? I don’t know the answers for you. Only you can answer for yourself. One day we all will
have to answer for how we are using our time and money? Don’t let your love of things take the
place of your love for God. ~B Tolbert
