How much is Enough?

How much of this world is enough? When is it too much?

   It certainly matters today which side you come to this question from.  The world will tell you, the sky is the limit, get all you can.  Our desires are pretty much inexhaustible; the more you feed them, the larger they grow.   An over -zealous Christian might say we need none of the world; however our needs of food, shelter, and the like, are ‘worldly’ goods.  The Bible says:

"Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap ;” Luke 21:34 NASB

“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” 1 Peter 4:3-4 KJV

   The words dissipation and lascivious are not used much anymore, and may be unfamiliar.  Dissipation is most often used in a scientific context for a process similar to evaporation.  In a broader scope, we might define it as an unrestrained loss of resources.  (Think of your money at the end of the month; ‘Where did it all go?’)  Lascivious describes uncontrolled behavior, usually sexual in nature, or a fit of rage.  I’ve heard it said in a situation, “I just lost all control!”  In general both words describe wasteful and uncontrolled living.

   In contrast, God’s Word says that He will provide for us (Mat 6), and He is enough for us (2 Cor 12:9).  Men of God (1 Tim 3, Titus 1) are called to be good stewards, and rule their house under subjection.  This does not mean as a cruel overlord, but a thorough caretaker who watches all under his care.  God desires men and women who will judge each minute, each dollar, and each ounce of strength to ask how can I use this to glorify Him?

   Now back to the question at hand.  We are called to be content with what we have.  Some men are blessed with great resources in order to bless others.  Others are only given enough to meet their needs to show dependence on the Lord.  In either case, whatever is given should be used in the service of the Lord.  Our examination should be to find points of excessive or wasteful living, and turn them into God exalting opportunities.  Then if God chooses to bless us further, we recognize the blessing, and continue the cycle of glorifying Him.