Embracing the Spirit of 'More' in Life

 

Summary

The word "more" often carries a negative connotation, especially within the church, where it is associated with greed and excess. However, there is a profound and positive aspect to this word. We are inherently designed to desire more—more contribution, more experiences, and more impact. This is beautifully illustrated in the story of Rebekah in Genesis, who offers to draw water not only for Abraham's servant but also for his ten camels, demonstrating a spirit of going above and beyond. This mindset is reflective of the kingdom of God, where Jesus encourages us to go the extra mile, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to bless others and enhance their lives.

Our God is a God of abundance and creativity, inviting us to rely on His power to do more without feeling drained. Ignatius of Loyola captured this spirit with the Latin word "magis," meaning "more," urging us to imagine greater projects and better solutions. This relentless drive is not about being neurotic or exhausted but about engaging in heroic endeavors that truly matter. We are called to live lives of significance, not necessarily in grandiose ways, but in ways that are meaningful and impactful.

In today's world, many feel exhausted and overwhelmed, leading to a phenomenon known as "quiet quitting," where individuals do the bare minimum. However, the opposite of burnout is not doing less but engaging more deeply in life. By adding energizing activities and pursuing excellence, we can change our inner narrative and find fulfillment. We all have the same 168 hours each week, and how we choose to spend them can transform our lives from a series of obligations to a grand adventure.

The invitation today is to embrace the spirit of "magis"—to ask God what small thing we can do today that embodies this restless pursuit of more. It might be a simple act of kindness, a moment of learning, or an opportunity to encourage someone. We are made to count, and by seeking more, we can make each day truly matter.

Key Takeaways:

1. The concept of "more" is not inherently negative; it reflects our God-given desire to contribute and experience life more fully. This is exemplified in the story of Rebekah, who went beyond what was asked of her, embodying a spirit of generosity and service. [01:07]

2. Jesus teaches us to go the extra mile, not out of obligation, but as a way to bless others and enhance their lives. This mindset adds to our lives rather than taking away from them, as we are made to be people of impact and significance. [01:49]

3. The spirit of "magis," or "more," encourages us to imagine greater projects and solutions, driven by a desire to serve wholeheartedly. This is not about exhaustion but about engaging in meaningful endeavors that align with God's purpose for us. [05:17]

4. In a world where many feel exhausted, the antidote to burnout is not doing less but engaging more deeply in life. By pursuing energizing activities and excellence, we can transform our lives from a series of obligations to a fulfilling adventure. [08:09]

5. We are invited to embrace the spirit of "magis" by asking God what small thing we can do today that embodies this pursuit of more. Whether it's a simple act of kindness or a moment of learning, we are made to count and make each day matter. [11:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:28] - The Positive Side of "More"
- [00:41] - Rebekah's Generosity
- [01:24] - Going the Extra Mile
- [02:01] - Our Drive for Significance
- [03:01] - God's Creative Generosity
- [03:33] - Ignatius of Loyola's "Magis"
- [04:02] - Jesus' Great Community
- [05:02] - The Spirit of "Magis"
- [06:01] - Called to Heroic Endeavors
- [07:06] - The Phenomenon of Quiet Quitting
- [08:09] - Engagement as the Antidote to Burnout
- [09:22] - Transforming Our Inner Narrative
- [10:43] - Embracing the Spirit of "Magis"
- [11:43] - Making Today Count

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing the Spirit of "More"

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 24:15-20 - The story of Rebekah offering water to Abraham's servant and his camels.
2. Matthew 5:41 - Jesus' teaching on going the extra mile.
3. 2 Timothy 4:10 - Reference to Demas leaving Paul because he loved the world.

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 24:15-20, what actions did Rebekah take that demonstrated her willingness to do more than what was asked of her? How does this reflect a spirit of generosity? [01:07]

2. According to Matthew 5:41, what does Jesus instruct His followers to do when compelled to go one mile? How does this teaching challenge the cultural norms of His time? [01:37]

3. In the sermon, how is the concept of "more" described as a positive force in our lives, contrary to its usual negative connotation? [00:28]

4. What example from the sermon illustrates the idea of "quiet quitting," and how does it relate to the concept of doing more? [07:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Rebekah's act of drawing water for the camels in Genesis 24:15-20 serve as a model for living a life of significance and impact? What might this look like in modern contexts? [01:07]

2. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:41 encourages going the extra mile. How might this principle apply to our daily interactions and relationships? What are some practical ways to live this out? [01:49]

3. The sermon mentions Ignatius of Loyola's concept of "magis." How does this idea of "more" align with God's purpose for us, and how can it be applied without leading to exhaustion? [05:17]

4. Reflecting on 2 Timothy 4:10, what might have led Demas to leave Paul, and how does this relate to the idea of quiet quitting discussed in the sermon? [07:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Think of a recent situation where you could have gone the extra mile but chose not to. What held you back, and how might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [10:43]

2. Identify an area in your life where you feel exhausted or overwhelmed. How can you incorporate energizing activities to transform this area into a fulfilling adventure? [08:09]

3. The sermon encourages asking God what small thing we can do today that embodies the pursuit of "more." What is one specific act of kindness or learning you can commit to this week? [11:24]

4. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were "quiet quitting" in a particular aspect of your life. What steps can you take to re-engage and pursue excellence in that area? [07:06]

5. How can you apply the spirit of "magis" in your workplace or community to make a meaningful impact? What is one project or initiative you can start or contribute to? [05:17]

6. Consider a relationship in your life that could benefit from you going the extra mile. What is one practical way you can bless and enhance that person's life this week? [01:49]

7. Reflect on the 168 hours you have each week. How can you better allocate your time to include activities that energize and fulfill you, rather than just fulfilling obligations? [09:22]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Positive Aspect of "More"
The word "more" often carries a negative connotation, especially within the church, where it is associated with greed and excess. However, there is a profound and positive aspect to this word. We are inherently designed to desire more—more contribution, more experiences, and more impact. This is beautifully illustrated in the story of Rebekah in Genesis, who offers to draw water not only for Abraham's servant but also for his ten camels, demonstrating a spirit of going above and beyond. This mindset is reflective of the kingdom of God, where Jesus encourages us to go the extra mile, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to bless others and enhance their lives. [01:07]

Genesis 24:18-20 (ESV): "She said, 'Drink, my lord.' And she quickly let down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink. When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, 'I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.' So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you did only what was required. How could you have gone the extra mile to bless someone in that moment?


Day 2: Living a Life of Impact and Significance
Jesus teaches us to go the extra mile, not out of obligation, but as a way to bless others and enhance their lives. This mindset adds to our lives rather than taking away from them, as we are made to be people of impact and significance. By choosing to live with this perspective, we align ourselves with God's purpose, which is to be a blessing to others and to make a meaningful difference in the world. [01:49]

Matthew 5:41-42 (ESV): "And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could benefit from you going the extra mile. What specific action can you take today to make a positive impact on their life?


Day 3: The Spirit of "Magis"
The spirit of "magis," or "more," encourages us to imagine greater projects and solutions, driven by a desire to serve wholeheartedly. This is not about exhaustion but about engaging in meaningful endeavors that align with God's purpose for us. Ignatius of Loyola captured this spirit with the Latin word "magis," meaning "more," urging us to imagine greater projects and better solutions. This relentless drive is not about being neurotic or exhausted but about engaging in heroic endeavors that truly matter. [05:17]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can apply the spirit of "magis" to serve more wholeheartedly? How can you start today?


Day 4: Engagement as the Antidote to Burnout
In a world where many feel exhausted, the antidote to burnout is not doing less but engaging more deeply in life. By pursuing energizing activities and excellence, we can transform our lives from a series of obligations to a fulfilling adventure. We all have the same 168 hours each week, and how we choose to spend them can transform our lives from a series of obligations to a grand adventure. [08:09]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: Reflect on your weekly schedule. What is one energizing activity you can add to your routine to help prevent burnout and enhance your engagement with life?


Day 5: Making Each Day Matter
We are invited to embrace the spirit of "magis" by asking God what small thing we can do today that embodies this pursuit of more. Whether it's a simple act of kindness or a moment of learning, we are made to count and make each day matter. By seeking more, we can make each day truly significant and impactful. [11:24]

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Reflection: What is one small act of kindness or learning you can pursue today to make your day truly matter? How can you ensure this becomes a regular part of your life?

Quotes


there's a very deep sense in which it's a wonderful word we were made to want to contribute more we were made to want to do more we were made to experience more there's a wonderful story that i love in the book of genesis abraham's servant is looking for a wife for isaac [00:32:23]

and that kind of mindset jesus talks about his exemplary of the kingdom when he says when you're going with somebody this was reflecting the fact that israelites could be compelled by roman soldiers to carry a burden for them for a mile jesus said somebody forces you to go with them a while [00:91:26]

our capacity to be oblivious to ignore opportunities to do something more is quite staggering and it is a reflection of the kingdom that our god who is unbelievably creative who came up with 300 000 species of beetles is a god who loves to be generous who loves to be innovative [00:178:48]

and there's actually a word that he uses the latin word is majes i think it's pronounced like magisterial but it's the word more in the spiritual exercises that he would give to the people that were part of his order he would tell him to think about a great king going into a great battle [00:213:04]

we are called by jesus in a way that is not designed to be neurotic or draining to us but we are made for heroic endeavors that is why our hearts are stirred and inspired by stories of heroes you were the world needs that from you doesn't have to be grandiose [00:354:57]

recently there's been a lot of cons discussion of the concept of quiet quitting quiet quitting i may not formally resign but i just do the bare minimum to get by i think about paul writing i think it was in his second letter to timothy demas has left me because he loved the world [00:421:36]

after more than two years of pandemic uncertainty employee stress levels at all time high people languishing if you're exhausted overwhelmed it feels like something needs to give and for many that seems to be the pursuit of excellence in their work in their life in their relationships [00:461:03]

instead of she said i've come to realize the opposite of burnout isn't doing nothing or even scaling back its engagement the opposite of burnout is engagement to give wholehearted even through the spirit more than wholehearted service as counterintuitive as that seems [00:484:63]

we all have the same 168 hours every week but time is also all about the stories we tell ourselves when life is full of have to do's with only brief periods of downtime in between we can feel beaten down by responsibilities but add things we actually want to do [00:530:48]

i was thinking of a very recent night in my own life when i had the chance to be with somebody in whom i could delight and enjoy time but what i found for myself was i just want to be done with this relatively quickly so i can be home by myself and watch tv [00:612:19]

ask god god what is that i might do might be quite small today just one thing in the life of one person or in a moment of a bit of learning or a bit of cleaning or a bit of straightening around or a bit of encouraging another person what's one thing that i could do [00:676:48]

you were made to count make today count i'm going to get rid of jack i can't stand this i'll give you somebody else in the family thanks for joining us here at becomenew.net if you'd like to receive the daily emails that go along with each video let us know at becomenew.me [00:703:45]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?