Too Too… Much!
I live in America, where moderation does not come easily. We like big, more, and we supersize whenever possible. Even too much is often not enough.
So, what advice should someone like me give for this supersized portion of wanting more? I think I will simply share God’s Word and then get out of the way of His timeless truths.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3 <- the words of Jesus, during the Sermon on the Mount
So the last will be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:16 <- This verse, Jesus emphasizes that in God's kingdom, the order of importance may be reversed compared to worldly expectations
Let your gentleness/moderation be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:5-7 <- the Apostle Paul to the church of Philippi
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 <- written by the prophet Micah
Okay, nice Bible verses, dare I even say INSPIRED.
These scriptures are easy on the ears, but in our ‘WHAT ABOUT ME?’ society, they become troublesome for ME ME ME!
It may take prayer and meditation for His Spirit to move these nice verses stuck in my head to become God’s words written on my heart.
I am not saying that having a lovely home, nice car, etc., is a bad thing at all, but I do not see that modesty and moderation come easily to Americans. I confess I like STUFF.
But what if we temper our lives with those four verses above? What if we were known for our moderation, prayerfulness, and thankfulness to our God? Then the peace of God that passes all understanding is there for each of us, no matter if we are living check to check or encumbered with the trappings of wealth.
I pray we keep in mind His Word as our guide. Remember, to be a servant is a HIGH calling.
So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.
But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45
May God bless, lead, and use us all for His glory (not our pleasure & leisure) in ways that are beyond your dreams.
Jeff (slightly supersized) Larson
