Got Enough Stuff?

Have you ever wondered why God has blessed you with so much stuff? Especially in Western nations, aren’t there an abundance of Christians who have accumulated significant amounts of material possessions, not to mention the money to buy them?

We have retirement plans designed to maintain our lifestyle of luxury long after we stop working. We have savings accounts and investment portfolios worth hundreds, thousands and even millions of dollars.

Are we not rich Christians in an age of hunger?

What is the purpose of this wealth? Why have we been given so much?

The Bible tells us plainly. Consider the words of Paul to Timothy:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19

I like David Platt’s perspective on this passage:

“Why not begin operating under the idea that God has given us excess, not so we could have more, but so we could give more?” (Source: Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream)

Takeaway question: “Do I really need all my possessions and money? What can I give away this week and still have enough for myself?”