Material Excess
Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.
Luke 12:15
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:7–8
Culinary Excess
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Proverbs 23:20–21
If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.
Proverbs 25:16
Entertainment Excess
Key Question: If I were to keep consuming like I am right now for the next 10-20 years, what kind of person will I become?
The problem is when good things become our gods.
"Sin creeps in and corrupts these pleasures when our desires for them run out of control."
— Rebecca DeYoung
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12
How do we break free from excess?
"A glutton is one who raids the icebox for a cure for spiritual malnutrition."
— Frederick Buechner
The Problem: We are relying on things to fill us that can’t do so.
The Result: Our attachments undercut our life with God.
All of us have been created with a God-shaped hole in our hearts.
The Solution: Finding fulfillment through relationship with God in Jesus.
Bottom Line
Practicing contentment involves being filled by Jesus.
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm 42:1-2
You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1
Action Steps
Prayerful reflection
- Where have good things become gods?
- What am I trying to fill through compulsive consumption?
- How is Jesus wanting to fulfill me by going deeper in relationship with him?
Practice
- Do an excess audit.
- Fast from one area of excess.
- Replace consumption with communion.
