The latest buzzword going around the homesteading crowd is "sustainable." We are supposed to be working toward a sustainable lifestyle. What does that really mean? Should sustainability be our great goal? From a Christian standpoint I would say no. To spend our energy only to achieve sustainability falls short of the glory of the great God we serve! Yes, a sustainable lifestyle would allow us to go on and on, living, in some fashion, on this earth forever. Since we know that we won't be here forever, that there will be a new heaven and a new earth and this earth will be burned away with a refiner's fire, then God must have a greater plan than mere sustainability.

We are to have life abundantly, filled to the brim and overflowing! How can we settle for sustainability? As homesteaders, close to the earth, we are constantly aware of God's abundance. God seldom adds; He multiplies! You plant a few seeds and reap a bountiful harvest. Look at weeds and insects. They proliferate magnificently!

There is a danger in God's abundance. In the Bible we see again and again that one great hinderance to a glorious walk with God is having great abundance. When we have plenty it is easy to turn our backs on the Lord and forget that all we have comes from his hand. How do we combat this tendency?

In Randy Alcorn's tiny book, "The Treasure Principle," he anwers the question. (I recommend all of Randy's great books. In my opinion he's one of the finest Christian writers working today.) His answer is that we give away the extra that God provides. It's as simple as that. This is God's plan: His people are to work diligently; He will bless them abundantly; they will give freely and joyfully to those in need. When we have much, we shall give much. When we have little we will give what we can. Think of the beautiful logic of this plan! It's perfect because it's God's idea! No need for welfare. The government doesn't need to be involved; it would only mess things up. No socialism or communism required. When the government gets involved they steal from those they designate as having too much and they give to whomever they please, always after they take a generous helping off the top. Ever notice how Commie and Leftie leaders live? They ride in limos while their people can't afford shoes!

And so, my friends, we don't work merely to sustain life on this earth. We are looking to Eternity. Our job is to glorify the one who created the heavens and the earth! May our homesteads be blessed by His hand and may we give away truckloads of His abundant provision!

Jack