ID 31598551 © Oakdalecat | Dreamstime.com

How much is enough? Advertisers create demand for a product or service—and often, that serves us well. 

But other times, it can feed the flesh. 

Proverbs 30:15-16 reads, 

“The leech has two daughters.
    ‘Give! Give!’ they cry.

“There are three things that are never satisfied,
    four that never say, ‘Enough!’:
      the grave, the barren womb,
    land, which is never satisfied with water,
    and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’

We humans don’t make the list except in the family department. God designed man for contentment, a sense of peace and fulfillment undisturbed by circumstance. Satisfaction.

What drives discontentment? Comparison? Our flesh? Wounds? Unmet expectations?

Could it be that our sense of satisfaction is a burden we’ve placed on ourselves? Something feel we must work for?

Scripture challenges that mindset. Take a look.

Matthew 6:25-34 This passage speaks to worry. Birds and flowers simply fulfill their God-given purposes and trust their Maker to meet their needs. 

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33

Psalm 104:27-30 This passage speaks to receiving as all creatures look to God to give them their food at the proper time. 

“when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.” Psalm 104:28b

Philippians 4:11-13 Many with plenty struggle with discontentedness, while others in poverty overflow with contentment. Paul speaks to state of mind. Circumstances have no bearing. His focal point is his relationship with God. 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Will God call you to go without? Maybe. If He does, He has purpose in it, so thank Him in the midst of the challenge for His work in your life. 

If God gives you plenty, what do you do? First, thank Him. Second, hold it lightly. You serve as steward, not owner. Third, give generously as God leads and enjoy the bounty He allows you to keep. 

Paul reminded Timothy: godliness with contentment is great gain. Know when to say enough. 

Suggested activities:

  • Select several objects such as pencils, a bike, and your kids’ favorite candy. When do you have enough of each? Why? What determines the satisfaction point? Need? Want? Function? Flavor?
  • Practice stewardship. Give each child an object (their room, clothes, jewelry) or service (fixing a meal, cleaning, childcare, pet care) to steward. Discuss ownership and stewardship. What are consequences for poor, proper, and excellent stewardship? What do owners deal with that stewards do not?
  • If your home caught on fire, what would you grab first? If everything was destroyed, what items would you miss? What items could you do without?

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