Americans have a nasty addiction to success. Still worse, success seems only to be defined as growth, i.e. getting bigger and having more. In our addiction we want to measure our growth with better attendance, more programs and products. We see this in business, schools and churches.

It is the wise man who knows when to say enough is enough. Growth is not always good. Growth can distract and deplete.

Last Saturday night I was asked to "leave a charge" with the remaining board members and faculty of my children's school as I had come to the end of my term serving on the board.

I charged them to remain mere. It is defined as "being no more or better than what is specified." Do not become laden with programs. Do not bend to the pressures for more. Stay focused on the work specified.

If we can do this, we will mirror our Savior's life and work. Jesus was not about to accumulate things in this world or fight a war that was not his. He was about his Father's work. And only his Father's work.

Jesus said, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working." John 5:17

He also said, "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4

So as the pressure comes to adopt this or that program, hire this or that specialist, attend this or that meeting, consider the charge to remain mere and in so doing mirror the One you serve.