How Much Is Enough?Sampl

How Much Do I Get?

Yesterday, you learned that Jesus wants us to be rich—in good works! And generous to those in need. You learned that it can be a wonderful way to fight that lie called greed and its never-ending pursuit to make your stacks of stuff taller and taller. 

Guess what? This problem is for sure something you’ll need to face from different directions and in different ways for the rest of your life. So, let’s spend another day tackling it, shall we? 

Today, let’s take a look at a story from someone who got caught in the grip of the “How much do I get?” question. Let’s see how Leslie conquered her desire for just one more pair … of shoes!

As people who want to be like Jesus, we want our generosity to look like His. We gladly look for small and large opportunities to give daily. If we focus on making a bigger stash of stuff, we’re only blocking our flow of generosity.

Count what you already have. Life is an incredible gift. Rainy days, inside jokes, loud music, sunset bike rides, books, ice cream, dogs, cats, each and every breath. We’re rich with simple blessings from a good and loving God. True life is doing good with what God gives you. 

Ask yourself: What’s a small way you could do something good in your home, your school, your church, your neighborhood, or anywhere else you go this week? What’s something big?

Challenge yourself: Take your answer from the “Ask yourself” question above—and do it! This week! Make a goal to do something that will make you rich in good works starting this very week. Nothing is too small or too big when it comes to showing love and kindness to others.  

Pray: God, thank You for sending Jesus. He teaches me to ask, “How much do you need?” instead of “How much can I get?” How incredibly generous You are! Help me to live like You. In Jesus’ name, amen.