What more could you want?
Has anyone ever asked you that? Of course, they have. Someone, somewhere, a parent, a coach, a boss, spouse, friend … someone who concluded that you had all you needed, and suggested to want more was a bit excessive.
It certainly is a question that arrives with some assumptions in tow. Perhaps it is asked by a person who has less. Or the question could be coming from someone who simply isn’t content with what they have. Maybe it is posed by a provider who senses a lack of gratitude for provisions made. As a dad, I remember feeling that one a time or two!
At the very least, the question (which is really more of a statement) suggests that wanting more is a violation of some kind. It is to say that something is off in the one who has a great deal and yet has a desire for more.
While there may be some instances when that desire could be considered over the top, it would be hard to argue that wanting more is always out of bounds. What if the object of our desire and our intent for having it is noble or virtuous?
What if the question were asked differently?
Instead of asking, “What more could you want? Don’t you already have enough?” we ask, “If you could want more of anything, what would it be?” That changes things, doesn’t it! Kind of unlocks the imagination.
I truly wonder what parts of the abundant life Jesus said he came to secure for us is unrealized because of our lack of desire. Don’t all of us settle to some degree for the trinkets of this world instead of reaching for the true riches of our inheritance in Christ?
I can’t help but think of C.S. Lewis’ challenging assessment in his book Weight of Glory. “Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
What if we didn’t settle? What if we were full-hearted creatures running all out after the infinite joy offered us by Jesus? What if our days were spent seeking more of Him, more of His kingdom and His righteousness in our lives, in our homes, in our church and in our city?
I suppose if we had all that, someone might ask us, “What more could you want?” Until then, let’s go after our life in Christ like never before!
Vision Sunday is just a few days away. Vision for Christ followers is really all about gaining Spirit-led, word-informed clarity around “the more” that He wants for his Church … at this time, in this place, with our community of faith.
I hope you will join me this Sunday as we do two things: celebrate the fruitfulness of God’s activity this past year, and imagine together the more God has for us in the year ahead. I can’t wait to worship our magnificent Savior with you this weekend!