How Much More Do You Need?

 How Much More Do You Need? by Rick Warren

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5.

Many people are feeling financial instability these days—no matter how much they have in the bank. Some are wondering, Am I going to have a job next week? What’s going to happen to the economy? Will I have enough to do the things I want to do with my life?

If you’re asking those questions, then you need to remember God’s promise in Hebrews 13:5—“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (NIV).

Did you see that? God’s promise to never leave you is connected to your financial future. He’s saying there’s no need for you to love money. You can be content with what you have. You don’t need to hoard your resources—because you have the assurance of God’s presence. God always sees you and always knows what you need. And because God is love, he will never forsake you, including when you are in need.

What are you trusting for your future financial security? Are you trusting in your possessions or in God’s presence?

If you have a hard time letting go of money, tithing, or being generous, then you are revealing a lack of faith. You don’t really believe God will keep his many promises to take care of you. You’re living with a scarcity mentality.

Try instead to start living with God’s promises in mind. Once you do that, you will not have to hoard because you will trust God. You will hold your resources with an open hand. This is the only way to live a purposeful life!

What are some promises from God’s Word about his presence and how he takes care of you?

The Bible says true security comes when you trust in God, not in your own wealth and abilities. The only way to get to heaven is by trusting in God through Jesus Christ. You don’t have to earn God’s love or work your way into heaven. The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer? If you’re ready to step across that line and make a decision to believe in Jesus Christ and follow him, pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and one day you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven.

“I confess my sin, and I believe you are my Savior. You have promised that, if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management. You have the right to call the shots in my life.

“Jesus, I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In your name I pray. Amen.”