Excess: Understanding the Dangers of Over-Indulgence and Self-Absorption

Excess represents having more than is necessary or desirable, while over-indulgence reflects the lack of self-control or moderation, especially in eating or drinking.

Biblical Warnings Against Excess

Such lifestyles are not God-honouring and stand in direct opposition to biblical principles (Eph 5:18; 1 Pet 4:3). The Scriptures consistently warn believers against the dangers of excess and call for moderation in all areas of life. When we live in excess, we demonstrate a lack of trust in God's provision and fail to acknowledge His sovereignty over our resources.

Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His time, exposing their hypocrisy by highlighting their greedy and self-indulgent nature (Mt 23:25). These leaders appeared righteous outwardly but were inwardly consumed with greed and excess. Their external religious observance masked hearts that were far from God's intentions for righteous living.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

The rich fool exemplifies the dangers of excess and self-centred living (Lk 12:16-21). This man was entirely self-absorbed, focused solely on storing his surplus produce for personal benefit rather than considering the needs of others. His response to abundance revealed a heart consumed with self-preservation and material security.

The rich fool planned to build larger barns to accommodate his abundance, believing this would secure his future. He said to himself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." However, God called him a fool, for that very night his life would be demanded from him. His material excess could not extend his life or secure his eternal destiny.

The false security of material wealth

Additional Biblical Examples of Excess

Jesus told of a rich man who lived in luxury every day while a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, longing for scraps from his table (Lk 16:19-31). The rich man's excessive lifestyle blinded him to the suffering at his doorstep. His abundance led to arrogance and neglect of those in need, demonstrating how excess can harden hearts toward others. It became a barrier to compassion and ultimately led to his eternal torment.

Do I notice and help those in need around me?

When God provided manna in the wilderness, some Israelites gathered more than needed, and it rotted (Ex 16:19-20). Later, they complained about God's provision, craving the excess they remembered from Egypt - "the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic" (Num 11:5). Their dissatisfaction with God's sufficient provision revealed hearts prone to excess and ingratitude.

God's Call to Generosity

The Bible's consistent message challenges us to share generously, treating others as we would want to be treated (Lk 6:31; 1 Tim 6:17-19). Those who have been blessed with this world's goods are called to be generous and willing to share, laying up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age (Mt 6:19-21). This principle transforms our relationship with material possessions from hoarding to stewardship.

The Bible also provides positive examples of those who handled abundance wisely. The early church shared everything in common, ensuring no one was in need (Acts 2:44-47). The Macedonian churches, despite their own poverty, gave generously to help others (2 Cor 8:1-5). These examples show that true prosperity comes not from accumulating excess but from generous sharing and trust in God's provision.

How can I follow the example of the early church in sharing generously with others?

When we have been bountifully blessed with this world's goods, we must examine our response. Are we following the example of the rich fool, hoarding for ourselves, or are we demonstrating Christ-like generosity? Our attitude towards abundance reveals the true condition of our hearts and our understanding of God's ownership over all things.

Reflection and Application:

How do I respond when blessed with abundance - with hoarding or generous sharing?
Am I practicing moderation and self-control in my consumption habits?
Do I recognise that all my possessions ultimately belong to God?
What steps can I take to guard against greed and self-indulgence in my daily life?