Too Much Good!

Too Much Good!

I have been pondering as to how much good can be too much and hurt us? Jesus asked the question, “What good is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his/her soul?” (Mark 8:36). What benefit is there to store up enough for several life spans and live not long enough to enjoy a fraction of it (Luke 12:13-21)? What gain is there in freedom, when we use it for the wrong purpose (I Corinthians 6:12-20)?

There is no doubt, we do live in a good country and we are surrounded with much that is good; in fact, it is more than most of us shall ever need, only what are we doing with it? Are we not to have some enjoyment or a little extra? Jesus was pleased when a woman poured some expensive perfume on him (Mark 14:6). Jesus was not pleased with the man that lived in luxury only unto him the self (Luke 16:19-31). Jesus was disappointed with the young prospect that could not part with his material goods (Mark 10:17-22). Jesus used the camel to demonstrate how out of touch with reality are those that wallow in a prosperous life (Mark 10:23-27). To free us from such a life-style requires a special act of God (Luke 18:27).

How are we to deal when too much good begins to hurt us? Everything hinges on our choice, and we must decide whom we want to serve (Matthew 6:19-24). We are at a disadvantage because we live in a culture that credits God with the things we enjoy and lavish in. It is unacceptable that it might be the devil that hurls fame, prosperity and successes at us (Matthew 4: 8-9; Luke 4:5-7). What about the statement that all good gifts come from God (James 1:16-18)? Jesus argued that humans do not give children things that would harm them, neither does our heavenly Father let us have too much of a good thing that shall harm us (Matthew 7:7-12; Luke 11:9-13). The Lord wants our souls to prosper and not our pocketbooks (III John 1:2). What good are two coats if one becomes a meal for moths or what good are valuables when they endanger our lives (Matthew 6:19)? Just how much are we in love with our earthly possessions and how acute are our perceptions as to what is really beneficial to us (Matthew 6:22-23)? Two sisters, the one served and other sat at the feet of Jesus and was praised for it (Luke 10: 38-42). It is all about getting the right information so that one can make the right choice. It is like two burgers may be good but one is more beneficial for our health.