I have often read the above verses and thought that perhaps this is the one text in the Scriptures we should read literally. 

But often the life that comes from a literal reading is one that makes any enjoyment of this life and its gifts a negative, and life gets smaller and smaller rather than the abundant life that Jesus promises in John.  Everything we have becomes suspect and any enjoyment from it a sin.

Not everywhere does Jesus give this advice.  He eats and drinks and enjoys food and life with all kinds of people. 

Sometimes I think the life that God calls most of us to is harder in ways than a monastic life of selling all our possessions and following.  We are called to be stewards of much, and yet to hold it so loosely that we can easily share. 

I have struggled my whole life with this model of living so simply and having as little as possible, and yet we are physical beings and cannot live without food and drink and clothing and material things.

For most of us it become a little like the difference between an alcoholic and an overeater.  An alcoholic can give up alcohol -- and must to survive.  It is hard and it is a struggle, but the alcohol is not necessary for life.  But the one who struggles with overeating cannot give up what troubles.  It is as if we are invited to a feast and welcomed to savor every mouthful and yet not overeat. 

But perhaps that is at the heart of it:  To savor every moment and every mouthful and every tangible material thing in this created world, and yet not put any of it at the center, but let God be the center.

When we overeat it is as if there will not be food tomorrow.  When we hoard possessions it is as if we fear we will not have enough.  There is another place where Jesus does advise us to sell all our possessions and that is in Luke:  32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give alms...."

When we really understand that it is a giving and generous God who has created us and all that exists and desire to give it all to us, then we can indeed enjoy every moment and savor every mouthful and recognize the abundance of truly being given the Kingdom.  And when we know that it is God's desire to give us everything, then we can hold it so loosely and share it generously and not ever worry that there will not be enough.

Enjoy every moment.  Savor every taste.  And give thanks.  Then you will enjoy sharing more because you can never truly lose anything.  Live in God's abundance and invite others into it.

Lord,  We thank you for all that you have given us, but especially your Son who not only taught us to live but died so that we might live in your abundance forever.  Amen