The saying “more or less” is a phrase that gets used to express vagueness. For example, I stood in line for an hour, more or less. It is a common idiom used in our society when we need to guess something but are unsure of the exact amount. But, I want to look at these two words differently today. I want to explore them in the context of is more better than less? So, let’s jump in.
Wanting More
Here, in our society, we hear that more is better. Advertising stresses the importance of more. We want more information and more stuff. Along the same vein, we demand information faster too. Also, we define our successes based on the amount of (blank) that we have or own. For example, I am tempted to measure my success as an author by the number of books sold. But when does that desire become a problem for the Christian person.
Biblical View
Possessions are not the problem. Instead, the problems arise when we define life by what we own instead of God’s criterion. As I mentioned in my blog last week, God wants to give us good gifts. But, what does God say about accumulating stuff?
- Luke 12:15; “He told the people, “Be careful to guard yourselves from every kind of greed. Life is not about having a lot of material possessions.”
- 1 John 2:16-17; “For everything that is in the world—the desire for fleshly gratification, the desire for possessions, and worldly arrogance—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world and its desires are fading away, but the person who does God’s will remains forever.”
- Ecclesiastes 6:9; “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless like chasing the wind.”
Happy with Less
When our desires for stuff overtake our passion for the things of God, we will stumble in our faith. God looks at the heart to determine if our wants are healthy. So, what are some healthy desires God wants us to display?
- Psalm 37:4; “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
- Matthew 6:33; “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- Proverbs 3:6; “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Contentment
The Bible shows us that contentment comes from delighting, seeking, and acknowledging God with our lives. While greed will only bring us strife, division, and separation. We need to learn to find happiness in less, not more. God promises to provide all we need when we put Him first. 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
This week, let’s aim to find our happiness in less material things and more God things. God Bless you this week as you strive to seek God’s Kingdom first.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Name is to be honored above all things. Lord, You are great and much to be praised. Today, we lift our voices towards heaven and offer praises to Your Most Holy Name. We thank You for Your marvelous works and Your loving kindness and tender mercies toward us. Thank You for providing us with all the good things we need in life. Lord, You give us more than we deserve. Your mercy endures forever. Amen.
Blessings,
Yvonne M. Morgan, author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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