“Muchness” and “Manyness”
Captain Mariwether Lewis kept a journal of his travel expeditions as he, along with Second Lieutenant William Clark and their team explored the uncharted territory of the Western United States acquired after the Louisiana Purchase. Their goal was to find a route across the western half of the continent, and to claim the land on behalf of the United States of America. They were also tasked to study the plants, animals, geography and natives along the way.
In “Canoeing the Mountains”, Tod Bolsinger writes about Lewis’ passionate pursuit of personal and societal values. This is reflected in an excerpt from Lewis’ journal dated less than one week after they had crossed over the Lemhi Pass. Lewis wrote,
“I reflected that I had yet done but little, very little indeed, to further the happiness of the human race, or to advance the information of the succeeding generation… and resolved in the future… to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself.”
Friends, when was the last time that we reflected on the impact we are having on the world around us? Are our goals toward personal prosperity, happiness and comfort, or are we challenged to pursue MORE daily?
Richard Foster, author of “Celebration of Discipline” writes “In contemporary society our adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in ‘muchness’ and ‘manyness’, he will rest satisfied.” If we have so much on our plates that we cannot make time for our families or our neighbors, Satan is satisfied. If we pursue financial gain for our own benefit, Satan is satisfied. If we work for personal recognition or status, Satan is satisfied. If we are content with comfortable, Satan is satisfied. If we do not feel competent to share our faith, yet do nothing to strengthen it in order to share, Satan is satisfied. If we do not make time to spend in God’s word and in relationship with Him, Satan is satisfied.
We live in a world filled with “muchness”. 1 Corinthians 10:23 lets us know that even though everything is permissible, everything is not beneficial. If we are not careful, our hours... days... weeks... months... years… will be filled to overflowing with permissible, with no time or priority to the beneficial. Sadly, many will not even recognize it until it is too late and time is gone.
So, I challenge you. What will you do with today? What will you have to write in your journal about?
Did you know that you can now listen to some of the top Live at 8 episodes as a podcast? Subscribe, share and review today!