How Much is Enough?

So how much is enough?

Jesus instructs us not to focus our attention on worldly possessions, but rather to focus our eyes on heavenly treasures. "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in an steal. Store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust can not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be" (Matthew 6:19-21). But, in western society the question that begs to be asked is, "How much is enough?"

For me, the most important part of that instruction is the reminder that wherever your treasure is also where your heart is. When I take that instruction and place it beside the knowledge of knowing that God only ever wants what is best for me and that His rules and ways are righteous, I feel a sense of peace. "Righteous are you O LORD, and right are your rules" (Psalms 119:137). I know exactly where I need to focus my attention, my heart.

But what does God expect from us? Are we expected to deny ourselves that new and improved phone, the larger house, the newer vehicle, the exciting vacation, the new wardrobe? Are we expected to follow Mother Teresa's footsteps and give up all worldly possessions except for those required for the most basic of human needs? Is there a limit on the number of functions a phone has, the square footage of a house, the amount in a bank account, the number of shoes in a closet or the size of a TV? If we meet our biblical calling and graciously and joyfully return 10% of our income to the Lord, are we free to spend the remaining 90% any way we see fit? 

For me these questions strike a chord. As I began to fall into depression I took up "retail therapy" as a cure. I looked to Lululemon, the GAP, Banana Republic and the like for happiness. And I will say that each purchase did give me a "high"; unfortunately, that "high" only lasted as long as it took me to walk or drive to the next store. 

God's Word tells us that we will not find true happiness in the ways of this world or through the accumulation of wealth, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15) and yet so many of us seek for that one thing that will make life easier, better, perfect.

God created us with a burning desire for connection. He wants us to connect with Him and with each other - not with "things". I realized several months ago that when I studied the Bible daily, prayed regularly, gave generously of my time and resources, spent meaningful time with my husband, children and friends and fully trusted God's plan for my day and life I felt peace and joy. Whereas, on days when I fell away from those habits I became anxious, irritable and I felt a scramble in my mind as I tried to recenter myself. Not surprisingly, the only way I have found to recenter myself is to put myself back into the Word, talk with my Creator and connect with those closest to me. For me, my connection to God and others has been my greatest medicine in my battle against depression and anxiety. Connecting to my God and the wonderful people God has placed in my life is what brings me joy and calm.

During my first hospitalization, I became convinced that we needed to sell our house, so we listed it against my husband's better judgement. I became convinced that it was too big for us and our needs, that it overwhelmed me, and that a smaller home would solve all of my problems, or at least most of them. On three different occasions the sale of our home fell through on the final day. The highs and lows of that experience were draining. Finally, I fell to my knees, bowed my head and plainly asked God, "please just show me where you want me to live." God, instantly responded to my heart and told me that we were supposed to remain in our current house. During that time I recited Proverbs 3:5 regularly to myself, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Previously, I was convinced that God wanted us to live a minimalist lifestyle and yet here He was telling me to stay in my 3500 square foot home. But, I put my trust in Him and slowly He has shown me the plans He has for my life within this beautiful home. Looking back I think He intended to teach me that I could live anywhere as long as I lived with Him in my life - an amazing lesson! Now, I feel that He is showing me how to use my home for fellowship - yet another wonderful learning and growing opportunity.

So, how much is enough? I still don't have an answer. Perhaps for those of us living with abundance, our test is to hear God's voice and follow it; to trust Him when things don't make sense to us; and to use our financial resources to meet our human need for connections both with those close to us and with those beyond our reach. When we follow the will of God, the Father is in us!