How Much Is Enough?Sample

So … How Much Is Enough, Anyway? 

Ask a 2-year-old how much candy they need. They probably won’t know the answer, but they’ll for sure let you know that they do, in fact, need some candy. Right now! And when their candy’s gone, what’s their first question? They toddle up to you with their sugar-encrusted face and ask, “More?” 

Here’s the deal. There’s a greedy little 2-year-old living in each and every person, asking for more. Maybe it’s more candy. Maybe it’s more games. More sneakers. More popularity. More awards. More money. Whatever it is that makes a person feel happy, there’s this voice inside that says, “I need more of that.” You can get stuck thinking that you need more money so you can get more of whatever your heart is set on. You get trapped in believing the lie that says, “Money fixes everything.” 

It’s, um, a problem. And it doesn’t tend to get better without a little work. 

Now for some good news! The work it takes to quiet that greedy little “more” inside your heart? It’s actually really fun. It helps quiet the demanding, wanting, asking side of you. It turns you into someone who realizes when they have enough. It makes you thankful. And that feels great.

Let’s start off Day 1 of this Bible Plan with a little music video. It’s based on 1 Timothy 6:18-19 from the Bible. (This video uses the NLT version.) Listen to it, and see if you can figure out what God says is the best way to feel like you have enough. Oh! Also! See if you can figure out what God says makes you rich!

Ask yourself: If I suddenly had a million dollars, what would I do with it? 

Challenge yourself: Grab a sheet of paper and something to write with. On one side of the paper, write down a list of everything you hope to get for your birthday, Christmas, and every other occasion this year combined. Now, flip the paper over. On the back side, write a list of everything you already have that you’re thankful for! Be sure to include things that aren’t even things—like friends, people who care for you, health, and so on. Make sure the thankful list is at least as long as the list from the other side of your paper.

Pray: God, thank You for everything You’ve given to me. I want to be rich in good works and generous to those in need. You’ve been good to me. Help me to be thankful and to know when I have enough. In Jesus’ name, amen.