You may have noticed we’ve entered some financially challenging times lately. (It has been in all the papers … those that are still printing.) The challenges we face can be quite disorienting. It’s scary. We may now realize that the way we oriented our life was unhealthy but what would a healthy approach to finances look like?
Enter Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Enough is the latest book by Adam Hamilton, pastor of the Church of the Resurrection (United Methodist) in suburban Kansas City. In this little gem (barely 100 pages), Hamilton offers some very helpful wisdom on financial practices. This is not a theological treatise on wealth, a moralistic pamphlet on the evils of materials goods, nor a gimmicky self-help guide. Hamilton looks squarely at the impact of “affluenza” and of fear on our lives, and challenges us to rediscover God’s purpose for us and to find our identity in him.
The three themes that permeate the book are trusting God, offering gratitude, and living a life of service and generosity of service to others. In some ways, they are so simple. Yet they are deceptively hard to live out. The book offers very practical spiritual and financial practices that help inoculate us from affluenza and fear, and bring us closer to God.
The book is exceptionally well written. While I think it applies to people of all ages, it struck me that this book might be particularly helpful for young adults who are beginning to set up their own lives. It would make an excellent high school or college graduation gift. If your congregation gives graduation gifts in May, then at $8 a piece (at Amazon) this book might be something you should consider.
I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself.
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