Enough.

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. Proverbs 15:16

Jesus said, “Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!” Luke 12:24

...but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

REFLECTION
There is a word we just don't use very often.

I made it the title of today's devotion.

Enough.

In a modern consumer-driven economy, the word "enough" isn't only under-utilized, it is the enemy of a thriving consumerism. We haven't just neglected this word, we have actively avoided it, because at some deep level, we believe it is in our economic self-interest to do so.

"Enough" isn't compatible with Verizon is trying to sell you the latest iPhone. If you think the phone you have is good enough, you aren't playing the culture's game.

"Enough" isn't compatible with a disposable income sufficient to consider owning a second or a third home. If you think the home you have is enough for you, you aren't playing the culture's game.

"Enough" just isn't compatible with every commercial we see...for the point of a consumer-driven society is to convince you that you actually don't have enough, which motivates you to participate in that economy by buying more.

Now, I am not singling out any one individual or group; we all do this. For some, the temptation is the newest phone (that's me)...but for others, the temptations revolve around homes, cars, high-end jewelry, you name it.

The hard reality for us to face is that this thing that is the foundation of our consumer-driven economy is actually not good for us spiritually. The ancient truth captured in the passages above, and throughout the Bible, is that "more" always needs to be tempered with "enough." Those two have to find a balance for us to even have room for the priorities of God.

Today, let us pray that what we have begins to feel like enough. Let us pray for hearts filled with gratitude. Let us pray for wisdom in discerning the balance between "more" and "enough." And let us trust that as we wrestle with that balance, God's grace is always "enough" for us.

PRAYER:
God, give us grateful hearts today. Help us to pause on the incessant drive for more in order to be grateful for what is already ours. Let that gratitude become in us a well of joy today. Amen.