The American way of life pushes people to constantly strive for more--more money, more stuff, more clout. But how much is enough? And how do we know when we have too much of a good thing? In this provocative, paradigm-shifting book, Will Davis Jr. challenges readers to discover the peace that comes through contentment with what we have and compassion for those in need. Through surprising statistics, scriptural insight, and real-life stories, Davis gently leads readers to consider living with less in order to do more for the kingdom. Thought-provoking discussion questions and short chapters make this a perfect study for small groups. No one will come away from this powerful book unchanged.
I could not finish this book. It was not the book I was looking for; I was looking for a how-to guide on minimalism/ living more with less. Though I am a Christian, I did not care for all the testimonies. I wanted practical, solid advice on how to do this, not just stories of others living for Christ.
Must read. This book contains a heart changing dose of perspective. I am already looking at the world around me differently and thanking God for my "more than enough". This book is part of what inspired me to sign up for a missions trip to Haiti with my church.
The grip that materialism has on America, including the church, is something that has been weighing on me for sometime. I don't claim to have arrived, by any means; I like my "stuff" as much as the next person. But knowing the joy that my family has experienced the times we have given beyond the minimum, I knew I wanted to read this book. I also am personally familiar with Will Davis and his church and was curious about his perspective on this subject. In short, this is a must-read book. More than that, it's a must-act book! This is not a book to read, check off your list, and place on a shelf never to be thought of again. Nor is it a book to pour on guilt about money -- unless you need it! (Actually, any conviction will come from the Holy Spirit, not solely from the book.) Rather, Davis presents a Biblically-based way of looking at our--or rather, God's!--possessions in a different light than most of us probably do and encourages us to look at them through an eternal lens. One of my favorite--or I should say, most convicting!--parts is the chapter on Barns. Like the man in Luke 12, who decided he needed to build more barns for his crops, most of us who experience financial gain do the same thing. We buy a bigger house, add on to our existing home, buy a boat or a better car, buy more "stuff". The same goes for churches. Davis says, In both cases--the individual and the church--the emphasis becomes having more, being larger, expanding assets, and increasing wealth. There's only one little problem with this strategy: nowhere in the Bible is a Christian or a church commanded to pursue more material gain. Not once. We've chosen a personal way of life and a church growth strategy that, simply stated, goes against everything the Bible teaches about stewardship, personal gain, and how we disciple people. (Chapter 7, p. 103) The solution that Davis suggests? Give it away. "Declare your current barn to be large enough, then determine to give away whatever you receive that won't fit in the barn." (p. 104)
I encourage you to prayerfully read this book and consider the message within. Reflection points at the end of each chapter make this an ideal book to use in a small group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Some worthy tips about how to cut "wants" and become content and giving from a Christian perspective. Obviously written for Christian book clubs. If you are looking for a book to focus on for a financial peace series for fellowship, this would be a good book. I felt the author included far too much personal testimony. If you are looking for way to live with less, there are far better books out there with much more practical information and tips.
Title: ENOUGH: Finding More by Living with Less Author: Will Davis Jr. Publisher: Revell July 2011 ISBN: 978-0-8007-2002-5 Genre: Inspirational/Christian Living
Do you have enough?
How much is enough? Really?
Our culture pushes us to strive for more--more money, more stuff, more clout. But how much is enough? And how do we know when we have too much of a good thing?
Will Davis Jr challenges us to discover the peace that comes through contentment with what we have and compassion for those in need. He shows us through surprising statistics, scriptural insight, and powerful real-life stories.
If you want to pursue a life that truly statisfies, then read ENOUGH.
With the idea that "less is more" that is gaining in popularity, I thought this book would be interesting to read. I was a bit disheartened at first, as it talked about the people that worked two jobs, were away from home all the time, and kept buying more stuff because they wanted to maintain some rich lifestyle. Or the lady who didn't have enough clothes and kept buying more and more and more...
Okay, if you are making 5 digit annual income (if the first number starts with an 8 or 9) or 6 digit income, this book is for you. Do you have enough? Can you scale back a little and be happy? Really? (If you are making a 5 digit income that starts with a 1--well, you might not want to read the book. You might end up bit discouraged--because chances are you don't have enough.)
My emotions are torn on this book. I'm one of the lower class, poverty level people reading this book. I'm not desperate enough (yet) to sell all my furniture and belongings on ebay (as someone did on this book) but that is due to strict money management. However, if you are one of those who buys just to buy and then doesn't wear half the things in your closet -- this book is for you. $13.99. 229 pages.
Meh... I found it a little too "preachy." I think it's fair to say that if you pick up a book with the title Enough (insert italics or underline), you're already interested in changing. The author repeatedly apologized for sounding "scolding" and then continued to do so.
Oh, man. I checked this out as an ebook based solely on its title. I thought it sounded very much in line with the things I've been reading on simplicity and minimalism. Was I ever wrong.
It was basically one long Christocentric scripture study. It was bad enough that half of the book was just Bible verses (Um, I believe there is another book out there filled to the brim with Bible verses, so why was that necessary?). But the author clearly thinks being Christian is the ONLY valuable, viable life. And that the world is, in general, out to persecute the poor people who are just trying to be good Christians. Like a story he tells about kids growing up in a Christian orphanage. He writes, "the government doesn't want kids growing up either educated or Christian. They want them poor, uneducated, and without a worldview that tells them they should work for something greater than just their own survival." What a load of conspiracy-theory hooey. When talking about persecution, he focuses on persecutions suffered by Christians, as if other faiths and atheists aren't also targeted.
And then there's his insistence that everyone tithe to the church. He's a pastor of a church, so no bias there AT ALL. He says, "I actually had a guy ask me over lunch one time if he could give only based on his net earnings. I almost came across the table at him." Yeah, how dare someone think they shouldn't line your pockets as much as possible? In another instance, a guy wanted to give $10K to a nonprofit he supported to maximize a matching contribution situation, and wanted to scale back church giving accordingly. However, he did agree to discuss it with the author and surprise, surprise, he was told to give the $10K as he planned, but still tithe fully. And just so you know, he states clearly that if you don't give to the church, you won't get God's blessings or favor. Because apparently God is hurting for cash.
The whole thing was repulsive. I deeply regret reading this book.
I was challenged by this book. It helped me look at all my resources and realize I have more than enough. God blessed me with many resources not so that I can keep them all to myself. I was challenged to evaluate how, when and where to give. I have enough and need to share with those who have needs. Worth reading more than once.
A nice little book - if you're seeking inspiration for self-sacrifice and giving to others. However, if you are wanting advice and encouragement on living with less and seeking a simpler, less materialistic life (like I was) - this is not the book you're looking for.
Totally agreed with info in the book. For example we are totally held accountable for how we manage what God has given us. Great joy and contentment in living with less.
The author talks about having "enough," "less than enough," and "more than enough." Most of us in the developed world have "more than enough," even though we may think we're poor. By the world's standards, we're wealthy. I learned this a while back when I found an opportunity to help a family (a widow and her seven children) in West Africa. I took a friend out to dinner to celebrate her birthday recently and spent about the same amount of money I send to Africa every two weeks to feed a family of eight. I didn't take my friend to an expensive restaurant, either. I was interested in this book because I've become so aware of the disparity in lifestyles in various parts of the world.
But the two most important messages of the book were these reminders: 1) We must depend on God for provision; if we put our faith in our own income, savings, and retirement plans, we're putting our faith in ourselves and not in the Lord. Jesus told us to pray for our daily bread--not for a stockpile of food for the future, but enough for today. God will provide for us if we will quit depending on ourselves. 2) What we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for Christ. We aren't living like Christ if we ignore the needs of others and continue to acquire more for ourselves--and this is true whether our "more than enough" is much or little.
Enough shares common ancestry with Don't Waste Your Life and Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. These books challenge the American Dream and offer a more balanced alternative for Christians. Davis confronts our perceptions about having enough and our worldview about giving graciously. His call is not for monastic vows. He says,
Now don’t panic. I’m not asking you to take a vow of poverty, and more importantly, the Bible doesn’t either. I am asking you to consider the Bible’s promises to those who willingly choose to live with less. I know it’s counterintuitive [sic], but the Bible actually says you’ll be richer if you scale back what you have. (p. 13)
This quotation also encapsulates an important truth he explores later in chapter seven “Barns.” Davis explains what it means to be rich towards God (pp. 105-110). He focuses our eyes on eternity and our status as sons and daughters. This truth adds the necessary depth to the conversation. You cannot tell someone to suck up having less because they are rich in some ethereal sense. Our status as sons and daughters and our future inheritance in the new heavens and new earth are tangible.
He also argues for the necessity of suffering and sacrifice in chapter 10 “World-Class Christianity.” Says Davis,
That’s right, the pinnacle of Christian living to which we all must aspire isn’t honor, but dishonor; not comfort, but discomfort; not fame, but obscurity. (p. 145)
He ends by making this practical. He admonishes us to give to our churches out of abundance and other ministries above our abundance. We cannot sacrifice the first for the second or visa versa. To do this requires sacrifice. It may mean cutting back going out to eat and selling stuff we don’t need. He then advises us how to get ourselves in the right mindset of living with less to gracious give.
We must shout this message from the rooftops. Our churches are swelling with resources and yet there may not be a time in Christianity when there is such a disparity between the have and the have not’s. People wallowing in their wealth and others barely hanging on for their lives. This should not be so, not in the church. Enough calls us to honestly evaluate our lifestyle. It doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy what we have or that we shouldn’t have money, but we shouldn’t hoard the gifts God has graciously given us. Enough is enough.
What is enough? Do you have it? Where can you find it? Does it come in a box? What does it cost? Today’s culture teaches us that we never have enough, and the number of people drowning in debt is proof that the world is winning the battle; however, when we finally realize that peace only comes from being content with what we have, grateful for the blessings God has provided and having compassion for those in need.
Will Davis, Jr., in his new book “Enough”, challenges readers to put down their wallet, lay down their wants and search out ways to help those less fortunate. After all, having shelter over our heads, clothes on our backs and food on our tables should be enough for us as Christians. Having more usually involves time spent away from God and our families as we struggle to earn more money to pay for more stuff.
“Enough” will play with your comfort zone, threaten your lifestyle and challenge your beliefs. You will learn the difference between having enough and being gluttonous and greedy. If you let him, Davis will change your point of view and offer a way to find more by living with less. Delving deeper through the “for further reflection” questions will give you a deeper understanding of the lessons Davis seeks to teach in each chapter.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This book was a challenge to me because I am sometimes one of those people who keep wanting to buy and buy, just because I see something I think I want, or something that is such a good price I can’t give up. I’m not, however one of the higher income class people that have a lot of extra money to purchase whatever they want. My addiction to ‘Enough’ is sometimes on the yard sale level because something is just so cheap I gotta have it, only to bring it home and can’t find a place for it, or find that it isn’t so grand after all. Before reading this book, I already had a pretty good pile of stuff to sell on ebay, and now I am even more determined to hit ebay for a while getting rid of my extra stuff that is piling up in my extra bedroom, that has now become a storage room.
This book can appeal to many people in many different ways, but I feel it would be beneficial to everyone because there are very few people that only buy just exactly what they need and nothing else, whether it be expensive or not. I encourage you to grab a copy and read for yourself. It is a wonderful book with lots and lots of great insights on how we need to use more discipline in what we thing we really need.
“Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I received this book from the publisher Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55
Does your list of "wants" keep growing? How do you know when you have enough? And if you do feel you have enough how do you stop acquiring more stuff? Some points I found to be extremely helpful were: find out about money and possessions, knowing when to stop accumulating, what does the bible say about "stuff", and also the 30 second test (which gave me an awareness of what I had). These and so many more useful topics and suggestions along with biblical passages that coordinate with the points being addressed are included for study and reflection. Our materialistically rich society could absolutely benefit from reading and applying, into their lives, a book like this!
I feel this book could be helpful to everyone, and as I found out, while embarking on my own journey to live with less, and as I devoured the realistic content and anxiously turned the pages it all started to make sense to me. Fully relying and trusting in God I found myself looking around my home for items to give away (making several piles) to enrich others lives. Quite the keeper book, well written, entertaining and honest, to return to again if stuff ever seems to get out of hand, and to perhaps pass on to others who can benefit from reading it themselves. I highly recommend this inspiring and faith challenging book to others. 5 Stars! "Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group." I received a complimentary copy from Revell for my review.
Agur's contribution to the Bible is a mere 33 verses. This is where we find our first biblical definition of Enough "O God, I bet two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty or riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs." Prov 30:7&8
Oh if we could just embrace Enough the way Agur did. Often our idea of enough is strongly influenced by the people and things around us. We have to fight an upward stream kind of fight to find contentment with what we have. The blessing in that contentment though is finding much more joy and happiness with living with less. What we need versus what we want is sometimes hard for our selfish human nature to determine. Jesus never struggled with the concept of enough. He knew God promised to five us what we need for this day and he was content with that.
This book was absolutely wonderful. I am requiring my teens to read it. I would love them to go on a mission trip to a country where their enough is much less than ours, but in the meantime this book will provide them with some food for thought. We have already begun asking ourselves if an item is something we need or just want and using this new filter to define our enough. I felt I was doing fairly well in this area prior to reading the book. Enough has given me more reason to strive toward an even better balance.
I picked this book up because I was looking for the biblical "why" to live with less. I was not disappointed. Author Will Davis Jr. begins by showing us how the Bible defines enough. Included in this section is a list of ten reasons to live with just enough rather than more than enough. It's a great list and quite motivating. In this section he also discusses contentment and finding your enough. In the next section he covers "more than enough"; what it looks like and some common traps we fall into. He tells about an event in his life that really woke him up to the idea that his family and most of us in the United States live with more than enough. The third section explores "less than enough". This book is about the "why" behind living with less, it doesn't cover the "how". However, there are some suggestions by others at the end of each chapter on ways they have begun moving toward their "enough". Also at the end of each chapter is a section called "For Further Reflection" with Scripture readings and questions to think about. I recommend this book to anyone looking for biblical reasons for living with less.
In todays society, everyone wants to have more money, stuff, etc. This book shows that we really can have contentment, and you just might have too much stuff!
This is the type of book that shows you how much you really have that you don't need. I remember hearing a sermon one time just called "Stuff". Well, this is the book to go along with the sermon. Basically this goes through how in reality today we have more than enough things, money, etc. even though we think we need more to have it all. How wrong we are! After reading this book I have gone through a lot of my books, clothing, etc and have cleared some things out. That is what you can expect too after reading this book. And I don't regret any of it, because I really wasn't using it! Excellent book on enough stuff!!
Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
I can see that this book would be a good wake up call to sheltered, well-to-do Americans. The author had good things to say, but I was struck at his absolute ignorance about how the rest of the world really lives.
I have never traveled outside of the US (unless you count Vancouver and Tijuana), yet I felt like I had a better grasp of the disparity between the US and the world... even between communities within the US... than the author did. His journey to understanding felt unrealistic to me - perhaps because he started from a place I have never experienced (annual skiing vacations, summer homes, etc).
Davis gets to the heart of materialism in this personal and sincere book. Although he seems to go a bit too far by saying that we ought to live paycheck to paycheck, waiting only on God for provision, I do admire his heart that we have faith for our daily bread. There is a balance between being good stewards and simply living hand to mouth. God does encourage us to plan and prepare, to be good stewards of what we've been given, but there is certainly a point to be made in giving it all away. We have been given much freely by His grace, so we ought to give freely. That was my take-away from the book.
A book that made you think about your life, money, family, and how much is enough, and how much is too much. Not sure if I totally agree with the aspect of only living on enough, and giving away your money and hoping to have all that you need for with your retirement provided for. Since you aren't sure how long you are going to be living, the future economy, or what your needs will be I still believe in saving for your retirement and future needs. Sometimes the book seemed to be sending mixed messages about wealth....but it did make me think about how we live our life.
In this book, the author biblically deconstructs materialism and the consumerist culture that has swept over America and urges readers to willingly live with less. While I was unable to relate to a lot of the nuances of Americanism, this book provided a useful commentary on the human condition and our need for 'more.'
This book is a useful guide for personal finance from a biblical standpoint. I would encourage everyone who is serious about following Christ in ALL things to pick up this book, be challenged and apply it!
Readin now, and something God has been dealing with my heart about...I find it odd some people found it too " religious"? It would make me wonder if they have a personal relationship with Jesus and or this is to in their face truthful? Just like the author points out as the bible states,it's hard for people to let go of their riches at the cost of following Jesus ...given the choice....speaking to self here.
This was good. The problem is trying to rid your life of the unnecessary things when you have become accustomed to them. We live in a world where bigger is better(bigger house) and everything should be top of the line(new car, up to date gadgets). This book tells us to be less dependent on things in our lives and wanting things less so as we will be able to give when God calls us to give.
I appreciated the sections on using our more than enough to help those with less than enough while recognizing that neither of those have a static definition. Overall, I have read books on this topic that resonated more and were more helpful so I felt this was just a quick afternoon read with some useful tidbits.