“Not having enough is certainly a problem. A lack of food, money or medicine can be life-threatening and is experienced by many around the world. Much is being done to solve the social issues of “not enough.” However, as I pushed myself away from the table on Thanksgiving Day, I was reminded of problems associated with having too much. More than enough food left me lethargic and uncomfortable. Do you know that feeling?
Much is being done to solve the social issues of “not enough.” But little is being done to encourage examining problems created by those who have “too much.” Coveting more without sharing causes a generosity gap that can create that same feeling left by eating too much – lethargy and discomfort.
It may seem counterintuitive but withholding giving to others brings suffering. On the other hand, blessing others brings true riches.
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV)
Enough is Enough! Let us find true joy and riches by our generosity…”
Bob Snyder, MD, in Lessons Learned on the Journey blogpost on 4 December 2014.
Bob’s not only an ER doctor that can diagnose a problem in a snap, he’s a trusted friend. In that moment when he realized he had “too much” his mind immediately turned to what needed to be done. The prescription for prosperity (what we must do when we flourish) is to pause, say “enough is enough” and see to the flourishing of others: our neighbors, fellow believers, our community, and those who suffer.
This Advent we keep bumping into the counterintuitive nature of generosity. If we give, we receive blessing. If we don’t, we are the ones who suffer want. When we share what we have, we don’t end up impoverished, but richer for our generosity. Solomon figured this out, as did my doctor friend. Let’s practice it this Advent so that it becomes a way of life for each of us. Enough is enough (cf. 1 Timothy 6:8).