Abundance is Not Enough – September 19, 2022

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:10-20

He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver;
Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.
Ecclesiastes 5:10

Abundance is Not Enough

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Do you know what it means to “love abundance”?

It means you want a lot of stuff. You think having lots of treats or a new phone or a big house with a trampoline or better sporting equipment or a fancy vacation like your friend went on will make your life better.

Did you know that a lot of people think that buying things will make their lives happy?

Many grownups believe that if they have the prettiest house or the best toys for their kids, their life will be better. Even children can want life to look like someone they see online or on a TV show. They can dream about being as rich or richer than their parents one day—even though God might not give them that life. Some Christians might be tempted to stockpile their money like squirrels stashing nuts or not give their offerings to God because they are scared of not having enough for the future. They forget that God gave them their money and he promised to take care of them. That can be a hard truth for people.

So what’s the solution to wanting more and more abundance? You probably guessed it—JESUS! And this is the best answer ever because it means that if we have Jesus, we don’t really need anything else. Jesus died for us and promises us heaven one day!

Then the Bible teaches us two powerful words to help us remember that more, more, more does not ultimately make us happy. The two words are: “thank you.”

Throughout the Bible, there are reminders to give thanks to God for what he has done for us and what he has given us. When we say, “thank you” for our dinner, we remember that the dinner is enough. When we say “thank you” to our parents for driving us home after school, we remember that time with our parents is enough. When we say “thank you” for our toys, piano, bed, pets, or siblings, we remember that the gifts God has given us are enough. Best of all, we can thank Jesus for heaven. Because more than anything else, Jesus loves us in abundance.

Later this week, we will learn how money can also be a blessing!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings. Forgive us for when we are unsatisfied with your gifts. Give us hearts that are content with your promises and eager to grow in your wisdom, not wealth. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What’s the most important thing to thank Jesus for?
• Name the top two things that you are most thankful for.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• “He who loves abundance” is someone who wants a lot of stuff. When will you finally have enough stuff?
• Having Jesus means we have enough. When is a good time in your day for you to daily say “thank you” to him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Describe the last time you saw someone online showing off something you have always wanted. How did it make you feel?
• Agree or Disagree: If I am just as rich as my parents when I grow up, then I will have enough.