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Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity
Money has great power in our lives. Used wisely, it is one key to accomplishing our goals, providing for our needs, and fulfilling our life purpose. In recent years, many of us ignored the wisdom of the past when it came to managing and spending our money. Credit card debt soared, savings rates plummeted, and our home equity became something to be tapped into and spent rather than a source of security in retirement. We felt an insatiable desire for more. And we found ourselves spending tomorrow’s money today in order to have what we hoped would satisfy. The result of all of this was not greater happiness and satisfaction, but greater stress and anxiety. Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom when it comes to prudent financial practices. In these pages are found the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This book could change your life, by changing your relationship with money. “We Americans love our stuff. We’re living in a fast-paced, me-first, instant-gratification world, and it’s finally catching up to us. Debt is out of control, homes are in foreclosure ... even banks are going out of business. What the world needs today is the message of contentment and simplicity, and that’s exactly what Pastor Adam Hamilton delivers in Enough.”
Dave Ramsey, New York Times Best-Selling Author and Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host “Once again, Adam Hamilton is leading the church; ‘Enough is enough’ was once a Wesleyan watchword. Adam breathes new life into the Wesleyan commitment to simplicity. Amid a culture of greed and conspicuous consumption Adam calls us to a biblically based, evangelical joy of having the faith to say ‘enough is enough.’”
Bishop Will Willimon
United Methodist Church, Birmingham Area “I pay close attention to whatever Adam Hamilton writes. His books are marked by extraordinary pastoral insight, biblical and theological depth, courage to speak the truth, and down-to-earth practicality. Enough comes like an antidote in the middle of a pandemic. I hope that classes, groups, couples, and individuals will use this book—and the economic crisis it addresses—as a challenge to get healthy again by deepening our discipleship in the vital area of money and possessions.”
Brian McLaren, Author/Networker (brianmclaren.net)
Dave Ramsey, New York Times Best-Selling Author and Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host “Once again, Adam Hamilton is leading the church; ‘Enough is enough’ was once a Wesleyan watchword. Adam breathes new life into the Wesleyan commitment to simplicity. Amid a culture of greed and conspicuous consumption Adam calls us to a biblically based, evangelical joy of having the faith to say ‘enough is enough.’”
Bishop Will Willimon
United Methodist Church, Birmingham Area “I pay close attention to whatever Adam Hamilton writes. His books are marked by extraordinary pastoral insight, biblical and theological depth, courage to speak the truth, and down-to-earth practicality. Enough comes like an antidote in the middle of a pandemic. I hope that classes, groups, couples, and individuals will use this book—and the economic crisis it addresses—as a challenge to get healthy again by deepening our discipleship in the vital area of money and possessions.”
Brian McLaren, Author/Networker (brianmclaren.net)
110 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
89 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Adam Hamilton
299 books289 followersRev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.
Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 24, 2019
This book is a good introduction for those who haven’t taken the foray into voluntary simplicity.
It is also very faith based and focuses on scripture mostly from the Gospels, Paul’s letters, Proverbs, and Psalms.
It is also very faith based and focuses on scripture mostly from the Gospels, Paul’s letters, Proverbs, and Psalms.
July 4, 2011
I enjoyed parts of Adam Hamilton's book but a lot of it was just a repetition of what Dave Ramsey says. I also continue to struggle when reading these kind of books because the people who write them are among the most privileged in our society. In one part Hamilton speaks about contentment and that the key to doing this is to say, "It could be worse".
While this is true for him, (who struggles in the book about buying an ipod) I have a hard time taking some of this advice from among the most wealthy and privileged.(Which probably isn't totally fair...)
I do really like Adam Hamilton and the work that he does, I just had a hard time with him and this particular topic, but for certain segments of the population this is a great book to re-look at ones priorities. I'll probably use pieces of this book for a sermon at some point.
While this is true for him, (who struggles in the book about buying an ipod) I have a hard time taking some of this advice from among the most wealthy and privileged.(Which probably isn't totally fair...)
I do really like Adam Hamilton and the work that he does, I just had a hard time with him and this particular topic, but for certain segments of the population this is a great book to re-look at ones priorities. I'll probably use pieces of this book for a sermon at some point.
December 30, 2011
The world tells us to always be unsatisfied with what we have, to look upon what our neighbors have with envy, to spend now and pay later and that whomever dies with the most toys wins. Ironically, this only leads to greater stress and anxiety. Hamilton reminds us that we are here on earth for a greater purpose - to serve - and that living simply and with gratitude can lead to joy. He offers biblical wisdom for getting our financial habits back on track. My favorite learning: We should be content with what we have and what God has blessed us with. Hebrews 13:5-6 "Keep your lives free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you. So, we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid.'
This book will definitely change your relationship with money.
This book will definitely change your relationship with money.
May 27, 2020
Simple and very quick read, nothing new of note. A refresher, if you will.
June 16, 2014
While this is a topic I enjoy exploring, readers would be better off reading financial advice from Dave Ramsey (Total Money Makeover) and there is a plethora of other authors writing about simple living advice. This was just too much of a rehash of what others have said with not enough take-aways. Take a pass.
March 6, 2019
This was just an ok read for me. I felt the target audience was pretty narrow and most of the advice was rather run of the mill.
March 22, 2013
I already am doing most of what was advised. It seemed repetitious.
June 6, 2016
Excellent Christian perspective on minimalism
June 5, 2013
The author believes that the primary problems associated with economic crisis are spiritual and required a change within the individual.
He gives a perspective that is grounded in biblical truths and combines them with practical financial wisdom which he believes will guide the reader to a different future.
Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity
By Adam Hamilton
In the introduction to Enough, Pastor Hamilton asserts that the primary problems that led to the economic crisis that began in 2008 are spiritual problems that require a change within the individual. He goes on to state that in this small book he hopes to "invite readers to experience metanoia - to see our money and our possession with new eyes" remembering, as Jesus taught, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15)
To do this he gives a perspective that is grounded in biblical truths and combines them with practical financial wisdom which will he believes will guide the reader to a different - a future in which we've learned to say, "Enough."
Here is a short summary of each of the four chapters:
1. When Dreams Become Nightmares
This chapter examines the American Dream. For the most part the "American Dream has to do with a subconscious desire for achieving success and satisfying the desire for material possessions. It is the opportunity to pursue more than what we have, to gain more than what we have and to meet success." Another way state it is to state that our primary or secondary motive behind what we do is to consume, acquire and buy.
As a result two primary illnesses have an impact on us both socially and spiritually: Affluenza and Credit-itis. These illnesses have caused bankruptcy, foreclosures, slavery, divorce among many other maladies.
However, the real problem is a brokenness which the Bible calls sin. The problem we have with money and possession includes the sins of envy, greed and gluttony. "Our spiritual lives remain immature and unfruitful as long as we're pursuing the American Dream dictated by our culture."
What we need is a daily change of heart so that we will be the person God wants us to be each day. Practically we need to live simply and exercise restraint.
2. Wisdom and Finance
We need to pay heed to warning signs of impending financial disaster. If we are living beyond your means, taking cash advanced to pay off other lines of credit, making only a minimum payment on our credit cards and our family consumer debt is higher this year than last year, we are heading in the wrong direction.
Hamilton then draws on biblical wisdom and basic money management principles that will help people get on the right track. He uses the story of the Prodigal Son as a young man whose squandering and spending habits combine with a desire for instant gratification spelled doom for him but also identifies habits which are disastrous to us. He then practically identifies two prime money-wasters: Impulse Buying and Eating Out.
The remainder of the chapter focuses on the question - What is Your Life About? Is it to consume or to be a blessing? The biblical perspective is that we are created in God's image to be a blessing. Money is never an end in itself but it is for accomplishing our life purpose.
To do this we need to set goals, develop a plan and simplify our life style. The chapter includes practical advise on how and why these are essential steps.
3. Cultivating Contentment
As Christians we know that our life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Besides, you can't take possessions to the grave. The world around us tell us the opposite - life in its fullness consists in the possession of an abundance of things.
We have what he calls RHS (Restless Heart Syndrome). "God wants us to be content about some things and discontent with others." However, we tend to get them confused. We are content in our efforts to work for justice, but have discontent regarding our jobs, our church, our homes, our spouse, our children, etc.
The Biblical perspective is that our hearts are restless until we find our rest in Jesus Christ. As Christians we can cultivate contentment by 1) Remembering in every situation, it would be worse; 2) Ask Ourselves - How long will this make me happy? 3) Developing a grateful heart and 4) By asking ourselves where does my soul find true satisfaction?
This chapter concludes with five steps for simplying life which requires the practice of self-control. It means "we ask God to give us the right perspective on money and possessions and to change our hearts each day."
4. Define Generosity
The chapter begins by helping the reader imagine family and friends preparing for our future by reflecting on the questions a pastor might ask, "What were the defining characteristics of his/her life?"
The questions behind the question is - will we be remembered by our generosity? Hamilton states, "God designed us to be generous." But two voices war against our God-given impulse to be generous. The first is a voice of fear and the second is the voice of self-gratification.
Faith in Jesus Christ defeats those voice. "The more we grow in Christ, the more generous we will be. Our giving - both to God and to others - is actually a measure of spiritual growth, because giving requires that we trust God to supply our needs.
The crucial theological foundation for generosity is "Life is a gift, and everything belongs to God." The remainder of the chapter includes practical advice on how to grow into being a tither and beyond. The result of a generous life is that not only will God and others receive but we ourselves will change. Generosity leads to joy, blessings and contentment. (It does not mean that the more you give to God the more financial benefits will you receive in return.
While many congregations remain silent when it comes to addressing the issue of money in life, I believe that those who do are missing an opportunity to serve people well from the pulpit, in classes and in meetings. This book is not about fund raising. Is about recognizing the need for us as American Christians to transform our minds and hearts. Through silence we have not well served the spiritual needs of our people.
While the book is a quick read, it points toward contentment in a world filled with discontent. The messages in this book are "Enough!"
He gives a perspective that is grounded in biblical truths and combines them with practical financial wisdom which he believes will guide the reader to a different future.
Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity
By Adam Hamilton
In the introduction to Enough, Pastor Hamilton asserts that the primary problems that led to the economic crisis that began in 2008 are spiritual problems that require a change within the individual. He goes on to state that in this small book he hopes to "invite readers to experience metanoia - to see our money and our possession with new eyes" remembering, as Jesus taught, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15)
To do this he gives a perspective that is grounded in biblical truths and combines them with practical financial wisdom which will he believes will guide the reader to a different - a future in which we've learned to say, "Enough."
Here is a short summary of each of the four chapters:
1. When Dreams Become Nightmares
This chapter examines the American Dream. For the most part the "American Dream has to do with a subconscious desire for achieving success and satisfying the desire for material possessions. It is the opportunity to pursue more than what we have, to gain more than what we have and to meet success." Another way state it is to state that our primary or secondary motive behind what we do is to consume, acquire and buy.
As a result two primary illnesses have an impact on us both socially and spiritually: Affluenza and Credit-itis. These illnesses have caused bankruptcy, foreclosures, slavery, divorce among many other maladies.
However, the real problem is a brokenness which the Bible calls sin. The problem we have with money and possession includes the sins of envy, greed and gluttony. "Our spiritual lives remain immature and unfruitful as long as we're pursuing the American Dream dictated by our culture."
What we need is a daily change of heart so that we will be the person God wants us to be each day. Practically we need to live simply and exercise restraint.
2. Wisdom and Finance
We need to pay heed to warning signs of impending financial disaster. If we are living beyond your means, taking cash advanced to pay off other lines of credit, making only a minimum payment on our credit cards and our family consumer debt is higher this year than last year, we are heading in the wrong direction.
Hamilton then draws on biblical wisdom and basic money management principles that will help people get on the right track. He uses the story of the Prodigal Son as a young man whose squandering and spending habits combine with a desire for instant gratification spelled doom for him but also identifies habits which are disastrous to us. He then practically identifies two prime money-wasters: Impulse Buying and Eating Out.
The remainder of the chapter focuses on the question - What is Your Life About? Is it to consume or to be a blessing? The biblical perspective is that we are created in God's image to be a blessing. Money is never an end in itself but it is for accomplishing our life purpose.
To do this we need to set goals, develop a plan and simplify our life style. The chapter includes practical advise on how and why these are essential steps.
3. Cultivating Contentment
As Christians we know that our life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Besides, you can't take possessions to the grave. The world around us tell us the opposite - life in its fullness consists in the possession of an abundance of things.
We have what he calls RHS (Restless Heart Syndrome). "God wants us to be content about some things and discontent with others." However, we tend to get them confused. We are content in our efforts to work for justice, but have discontent regarding our jobs, our church, our homes, our spouse, our children, etc.
The Biblical perspective is that our hearts are restless until we find our rest in Jesus Christ. As Christians we can cultivate contentment by 1) Remembering in every situation, it would be worse; 2) Ask Ourselves - How long will this make me happy? 3) Developing a grateful heart and 4) By asking ourselves where does my soul find true satisfaction?
This chapter concludes with five steps for simplying life which requires the practice of self-control. It means "we ask God to give us the right perspective on money and possessions and to change our hearts each day."
4. Define Generosity
The chapter begins by helping the reader imagine family and friends preparing for our future by reflecting on the questions a pastor might ask, "What were the defining characteristics of his/her life?"
The questions behind the question is - will we be remembered by our generosity? Hamilton states, "God designed us to be generous." But two voices war against our God-given impulse to be generous. The first is a voice of fear and the second is the voice of self-gratification.
Faith in Jesus Christ defeats those voice. "The more we grow in Christ, the more generous we will be. Our giving - both to God and to others - is actually a measure of spiritual growth, because giving requires that we trust God to supply our needs.
The crucial theological foundation for generosity is "Life is a gift, and everything belongs to God." The remainder of the chapter includes practical advice on how to grow into being a tither and beyond. The result of a generous life is that not only will God and others receive but we ourselves will change. Generosity leads to joy, blessings and contentment. (It does not mean that the more you give to God the more financial benefits will you receive in return.
While many congregations remain silent when it comes to addressing the issue of money in life, I believe that those who do are missing an opportunity to serve people well from the pulpit, in classes and in meetings. This book is not about fund raising. Is about recognizing the need for us as American Christians to transform our minds and hearts. Through silence we have not well served the spiritual needs of our people.
While the book is a quick read, it points toward contentment in a world filled with discontent. The messages in this book are "Enough!"
November 17, 2024
We picked this book for a Sunday School class, and it really missed the mark for us, especially with the Dave Ramsey methodology and the self-righteous tone of the book. It only discusses personal responsibility, which is fine, but anyone in a situation where they find themselves a single parent, having lost their jobs, etc., will find no comfort in this book. It's a book for people with the privilege of making the changes proposed in this book. He also never discusses how wrong it is to allow companies to take advantage of people the way that they do. Maybe this might be good for you, but for us it was very off-putting.
Side note: I listened to the audio book, and the voice performace was good. It was the material that just didn't work for me or our class.
Side note: I listened to the audio book, and the voice performace was good. It was the material that just didn't work for me or our class.
April 24, 2023
This is Christian propaganda created to encourage impoverished people to be grateful for their poverty and give their spare money to churches instead of using it to improve their own lives. It contains very little actual financial information or advice, and none of which is original. If you are looking for a guilt trip for enjoying the incredibly small amount of time you have on this earth or for confirmation that you deserve nothing more than the crumbs you are offered because you weren't blessed(read: lucky) enough to born into better circumstances, look no further. If you are looking for legit financial guidance to assist you in taking control of your financial future, look elsewhere.
October 5, 2021
I am generally not an Adam Hamilton fan. I think his books are often overrated and shallow and his theology around the inspiration of scripture has devolved into actual heresy. However, this book is refreshing. The financial suggestions in the book are simple and even simplistic. But, the focus is on the spiritual underpinings of a wholesome relationship with money and physical assets. This focus is the only real solution of the dissoluteness of our society’s greed. I highly recommend this book for its spiritual focus on a pervasive problem.
April 23, 2019
I was hoping for more inspiration to live simply and less talk about finances. He went on and on about saving and tithing. I typically write a ton of notes, but my only notes for this one were how ridiculous some of his examples were and the one exciting note about "investing" in your faith. I wanted more inspiration on living simply with time, possessions, and faith; and less of a millionaire telling me to tithe and have an emergency savings.
February 2, 2022
I took a Dave Ramsey course a couple of years ago to learn how to manage my finances better. This book dovetailed beautifully. It was the perfect accompaniment, because it poses the question "How much is enough for you?" If I go one shopping sprees, yes, even if it's just books I'm buying then eventually I will not be able to take care of myself. Totally worth the purchase, even though I got it from my church.
February 12, 2021
This is one of Adam Hamilton’s better books. It’s a basic primer on Christian giving, gratitude, and financial health. Very strong emphasis on tithing. As is typical of Hamilton, there is nothing that pushes the envelope in this book (no questioning at all of capitalism or the rich getting richer, etc.), so I’d recommend pairing it with some Christian economic ethics for a deeper perspective.
April 9, 2019
Having read Dave Ramsey, the financial aspects of this book were not new. However, I really enjoyed the chapter on giving. The author has a great voice that I enjoy reading and I look forward to reading some of his other materials.
February 3, 2020
Very short even with a chapter added after the original publishing date. Nothing profound or anything that isn’t something already known BUT sometimes we need to hear things to nudge us toward healthy change. I will be tweaking an area or two further in my life for sure.
November 20, 2022
I listened to an audio version of this book. So good that I’m on the hunt for a copy to put on my permanent bookshelf. This would be great to study through with an older teenager or young adult just starting out. Biblical without being overly preachy.
November 22, 2022
My small group studied this and our last two chapters coincided with Stewardship season. An excellent reminder that we won't be happier necessarily with more money or more stuff, but with more generosity and contentment.
June 21, 2017
A simple and graciously-written book on a topic (Stewardship and Financial Giving) that often is legalistic and judgment-laden.
June 21, 2018
Quick read. Many people will be able to relate to the subject matter and appreciate his message.
October 30, 2018
I read parts of the book and watched the video series as well as read the Leader’s Guide. It’s informative but not one of my favorites by Hamilton
December 29, 2018
Just the perspective I needed.
Learning contentment and practicing generosity are now two chief goals for my life. Adam provides motivation and inspiration for this.
Learning contentment and practicing generosity are now two chief goals for my life. Adam provides motivation and inspiration for this.
January 3, 2019
Love this book, excellent study for groups at church.
February 13, 2020
Good primer for discovering ones values. Your Money or Your life expands on the “how to’s”in much more detail, tho.
January 16, 2021
Where are my half stars? 3.5 There’s nothing inherently wrong with this book. It’s just not anything that I hadn’t heard before.
November 15, 2021
Enough is enough. I’ll be forever grateful to Adam Hamilton for suggesting that I shouldn’t go to the grocery store when I’m hungry.
January 9, 2024
Work related
July 2, 2024
Good information to affirm God's request for tithing and for living below our means.
October 3, 2023
A pretty introductory view to concepts of minimalism/simplicity and discovering your values, but could be a good way to open a conversation with a congregation about these broad topics, especially considering how short the book is/how quickly one could read it. Certainly echoes Dave Ramsey’s teachings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews