Then Some Christianity

The prodigal son decided he’d had enough fun when he didn’t have enough to eat. He came to his senses and said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:17). While he went hungry because of his sins, even the servants at home had enough to eat and then some.

There are times when we just get by. We feel like we barely have enough, but by the grace of God we make it through hard times and come out wiser and more humble on the other side. There are lean times in the lives of individuals, families and nations. Adversity puts our faith to the test.

But there are times when we have enough bread and to spare. This is also a test. God warned the Israelites about these different trials in Deuteronomy 8. He tested His people by allowing them to go hungry (vv. 2-3). The Israelites in the plains of Moab in Deuteronomy had passed this test. The Israelites who failed died in the wilderness. But God said they would be tested next by their prosperity when they entered the promised land. The Israelites would become wealthy in their new home. The Lord warned, “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God” and “say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth’” (vv.11, 17). He told them to “remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth” (v. 18).

There is nothing wrong with having more than enough—as long as we remember God gave it to us, as long as we are thankful and humble, and as long as we share it with others in need. Paul said we should work to have some extra to help the poor (Eph. 4:28; Acts 20:35). If we do this there is no reason to feel guilty because of what God gives us.

We are living in prosperous times in America in spite of all our complaining. Not everyone has bread enough and to spare, but many do. What are we doing with it? Are we looking for opportunities to help others? Are we closing our eyes to needy families, widows that are struggling, and children that need food and clothes? Are we using our resources to launch into foreign fields with the gospel?

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

Kerry

West End church of Christ • February 23, 2025