Take What You Need
In the movie "The Mummy", the character Beni could have been alive and wealthy if he had taken enough gold and jewels from the temple. But his greed led him to his demise. Even when the temple was crumbling, he continued dragging his treasures with him.
In Exodus 16:18-20 NIV, the Israelites were told to gather manna for that day and not to save any for the next day. However, some did not heed Moses' advice, and in the morning, maggots were in the bread, so they were not suitable for eating.
Many people are like Beni and some Israelites, taking more than what is needed. In the past and today, many acts of gluttony are committed regularly. Excess food purchases are only to be thrown away. The maladaptive behaviour of shopping for clothes that are not worn, the obsession with getting more likes on your Facebook or Instagram accounts to feel valued, even though you do not know more than half of your followers. Wanting more doesn't always lead to happiness or success. Due to greed, you lose money, friends, and empathy.
You can also develop a hoarding disorder, accumulating excessive items and having difficulties parting with them. An object occupies every corner of your home. There is no space to move around and enjoy the comfort of your home.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hoarding-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20356056#:~:text=Hoarding%20disorder%20is%20a%20persistent,regardless%20of%20actual%20value%2C%20occurs.
Time to Pull Back
Advertisements, deals, and social media pages are in our faces every day, tempting us to buy what we don't need. Nevertheless, we should not yield to these temptations. Ask the following questions before purchasing an item: "Do I need it?" "How will I use it?" "Will I use it more than once?" "Can I borrow it from my neighbour or friend?" If your answer to these questions is no, it is best to walk away.
What about when you are bored or feeling down at home? Most people resort to food for comfort, which should not be the answer. If you are feeling overwhelmed, find a hobby to occupy that time. What about taking on more than you can chew at work? Saying no will help you to function better and have a balanced life. Taking on one more task might flip the plate, and every other assignment will crash to the floor.
Practising to take what you need doesn't limit itself to tangible items; it extends to intangible ones too. Some people take too much, so there is a spillage. For some, the load is too much and strains the back. You can implement discipline and show concern for others as driving factors to curb this lethal condition.
