Enough

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (CEB) · Passing the Flame

“Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have. We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it: we’ll be happy with food and clothing.” — 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (CEB)

Paul names a kind of gain most people never stop to count. Godliness combined with contentment, he says, is a great source of profit. The math runs the opposite direction from how we usually keep score. Not more plus more, but enough plus thankfulness.

Someone in the congregation recently insisted on giving for something offered freely. The first impulse was to refuse, to hand the money back. But refusing someone’s generosity can dishonor their choice. Receiving the gift with open hands turned out to be its own practice.

Contentment doesn’t mean refusing what comes to us. It means holding what we have loosely, grateful for food and clothing, unsurprised that we arrived with nothing and will leave the same way.

Where are you keeping score this week: in more, or in enough?

God who provides enough, teach us to see abundance where we’ve counted only scarcity. Loosen our grip, and open our hands to both receive and give. Amen.