If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion — how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. [1 John 3:17-18 (NLT)]

This is the time of year we start preparing our taxes and adding up what we’ve given to the church and various charities. While we peruse the spread sheet, perhaps we should do some soul searching. What is the definition of “living well”? How much money is “enough”? When does “enough” become “too much”? How much do we need? How much need is there? How much should we give? How much should we keep? These questions don’t just apply to money; they also apply to our time, energy, and skills. Do we have enough to share those assets? These are questions we each have to prayerfully ask the Lord. They are difficult questions; they involve trusting God. Many of us know we have enough for now but wonder if we’ll have enough for whatever the future will bring. How much trust do we have that God will make whatever we have “enough”?

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. [1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NLT)]