Too Much
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Ecclesiastes 7:15-18
Pay attention to these
instructions, for anyone
who fears God will
avoid both extremes
(v.18).
The other day I was putting air in my car’s tires. The
small wording on the side of the tires warned me,
“Maximum pressure: 35 psi.”
I’m no mechanic, but this is good information to know.
I’ve been told that too much air in a tire will negatively
affect braking, cornering, and overall stability. Less of
the tire touches the ground when tire pressure is too
high. As a result, a car will tend to bounce around on
the road and its tires will lose traction. We all need air
in our tires, and we won’t get very far on a tire that is
low or flat. But as with many things in life, too much of a
good thing can be detrimental.
Take, for example, something as basic as food. We
all need to eat. But the Bible clearly warns against the
dangers of overeating (Proverbs 23:20-21).
Needing too much of a good thing can also show
up in our relationships. For instance, the Old Testament
character Leah (Rachel’s older sister and Jacob’s first
wife) was a woman who seemed to need her husband’s
love too much. From the start of a marriage that was
born out of deception, Jacob made no bones about the
fact that he loved Rachel much more than Leah (Genesis
29:30).
Coming in second place left Leah heartbroken. Sadly,
she thought she could win more of Jacob’s affection and
attention by giving him children (29:32,34). But her plan
never worked. It only drew her deeper into a jealous rivalry with Rachel that she
would never win (30:1-24).
Leah’s desire for her husband’s love was legitimate, but it began to consume
her when it became the primary focus of her life. Is there something good in
your life you need too much? —Jeff Olson
more›
Do you like honey?
Don’t eat too much, or
it will make you sick!
Don’t visit your neighbors
too often, or you will
wear out your welcome
(Proverbs 25:16-17).
next›
Is a desire for something
good (coffee, blogs,
music, a person)
consuming you? What
would happen if you
were consumed with
God instead?
