Less is Better

I am no great fan of George Osborn. 

It seems his economic policy could be summed up as 'Less is Better'. In a culture which is obsessed with More is Better, having less is tough and seriously difficult for those who cannot feed their families or care for sick and elderly relatives. The upcoming Conference season will have plenty more to say on this topic.

What is interesting is that Jesus seemed, in a very different setting, to teach and live the 'Less is Better' approach. He warned about the dangers of wealth and attachment to stuff. ' “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' (Matthew 6.19-21)

An incident when he was visiting friends illustrates how this principle can be applied even more widely than to money and stuff. 'As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10.38-42)

Martha was too much distracted by all that she was doing for Jesus, so she couldn't focus on what Jesus could give to her.

I find that is an easy mistake to make! Too busy to stop and listen, learn and take in. So, Jesus says to Martha and me (and maybe you?!), 'Less is Better'. We all need to learn to work out what fits this description -  There is only one thing worth being concerned about. 

Best wishes,

Richard