What does “enough” look like?
After a long day at the beach, a big holiday meal, or one too many painful experiences, you might feel like you’ve had enough. Yet we often operate as if we can never have enough. If only we had more vacation days, time, success, attention, income, and/or assurance. (It’s as if the song “Just Can’t Get Enough” is playing in our heads on repeat).
While the pursuit of “enough” can motivate us to take action, work, and innovate, it can also be endlessly exhausting. And more troubling, it makes it nearly impossible for us to practice one of the most life-giving habits there is.
The Radical Nature of Generosity
Have you ever experienced someone unreasonably generous with their time, money, and/or resources? It might make sense if they’re exceedingly wealthy, but otherwise, it might read as silly or baffling. How else can you explain someone willingly giving their precious resources? They must have lots to spare.
Everyone can probably agree that generosity is a good thing. We feel awesome when we give to people and causes we care about, and report greater levels of happiness and overall well-being. Seeing the positive impact we make in the world around us inspires more acts of generosity, and sustains our sense of purpose no matter the circumstances.
But all too often, generosity is an afterthought. Sure, we’re happy to share our time, treasure, and talent — after the bills are paid, our trips are planned, our bank accounts or investment portfolios hit a certain number, and our calendars clear up.
In his book The Money Challenge, Art Rainer puts forward a simple-yet-radical framework for managing our resources:
GIVE GENEROUSLY
SAVE WISELY
LIVE APPROPRIATELY
If you’re wondering about that order, so did we. But it is no accident:
- Give Generously: God owns everything. We are convinced of the reality that everything we put our names on — our time, our money, our abilities — ultimately belongs to Him, and we are stewards of His resources. So when it comes to setting our priorities, generosity should come first, not last.
- Save Wisely: “All we have is now” is one of the most short-sighted (and untrue) mottos one can live by. It is wise to plan for the future: unforeseen emergencies, big ticket items, retirement, etc. And it positions us to be freely generous people in the seasons to come.
- Live Appropriately: Contentment isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a practice we develop. Paul, one of the famous first followers of Jesus, talked about how he learned the secret of being content in all circumstances (Philippians 4). If we can be content living below our means, we’re free from that endless pursuit of “enough”, while still getting to save for the future and give without reservation.
Yes, you might be thinking, that all makes sense. But I really don’t have the margin to live AND save AND give. And while it might require making some tough choices, we’d invite you to consider how you might be uniquely positioned to answer the call.
If you make $23,000 per year — congratulations! You could donate 10% of your income and still be richer than 90% of the world’s population. If you make $70,000 a year, you could donate 10% and still be in the top 1%. (Check out Giving What We Can to see how your income stacks up)!
Making Your Resources Count
Generosity isn’t just about money. It’s a symptom of our attitudes, motivations, and hearts. We can do whatever we please, but we are ultimately responsible for how we earn, spend, save, and give.
Here’s a 5-step plan to put these principles into practice:
- Prioritize Giving: Begin by giving a percentage of your income, starting with 1% and gradually increasing to 10%. Identify causes you care about (starting with your local church) and make them your first priority in your budget.
- Anticipate the Unexpected: Aim to save 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses for an emergency fund. Start small and build in a buffer for life’s surprises.
- Plan for the Future: Calculate how much you need for the next big expense — a home, college, a business, and retirement — and start saving. Make the most of any plans, tools, or trustworthy resources to help you get there.
- Live Within Your Means: Look at your monthly budget, and track your spending. (If you don’t have a budget, make one)! Identify areas you can adjust to align with your income and financial goals. And be mindful of how your purchases impact your giving and saving.
- Be Generous Daily: Train your eyes and heart to look for ways to be generous with your time, talents, and resources. Ask, “Is there anything I can do for you?” Be present for the opportunities right in front of you.
Become known as someone who is generous. When you give cheerfully and with intention, you’ll make a difference – in your own life, the lives of others, and the world around you.
Once you make it a habit, you won’t be able to get enough.
