More Than Enough

I remember taking my beloved Christian brother, Pastor Baptiste, who lives in Haiti, to one of our American all-you-can-eat buffets. There were stations after stations of food. He was amazed at the quantity of food and that he could eat all he wanted. When I was with him in Haiti, I discovered he had told many of his friends about his unbelievable experience at the bountiful restaurant.

Some of us may have only prayed for just enough. If we have nothing left over, it will be difficult for us to help those who have little or nothing. Paul when preparing the Corinthian Church for his visit and the collection for the saints in Jerusalem said this, “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Cor. 16:2 NKJV).

I like having something laid aside so that I have something to give. Living a simple life helps to do just that. I have no desire to wear a $20,000 Rolex watch or a $3,000 Giorgio Armani suit. (Nowadays, one might trade two Rolex’s for a good used pickup truck.) I am a Timex man and L.L. Bean is about as expensive as I get.

I like a balanced approach to life. I believe we can help others more if we have some left over to give and help. The Apostle Paul stated that he had experienced abundance and lack, but he learned to be content. Contentment comes from a good attitude not a full wallet or an empty one.

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:/ I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need" (Phil. 4:11-12 NKJV).

When Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves to feed the multitude of five thousand, there were twelve baskets filled with the more-than-enough.

Jesus related the story about a rich man who was ready to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to hold his increase. He was not derided because of his great harvest, but because he was selfish and intended to keep it all for himself. “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21 NKJV).

What am I saying? Ask God for more than enough, then use it in the Kingdom of God by blessing others who do not have enough. John Wesley had three points about money, “Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”

I pray you will have more than enough so you can bless your family and others. Attitude is more important than the amount of money, so be a giver whether the sum is large or small. Cultivate a generous heart and ask God for more than enough so you can share your blessings.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt