The Pro's and Con's of "More"

We live in a society focused on "more". It's become a dirty word in some people's minds, but is it necessarily evil? This is a concept I've been pondering since a wonderful Sunday School Teacher posed a question in class a few weeks ago. More is neither good nor evil. It is the intention behind the pursuit that is better or more clearly defined this way, not "more" in and of itself. "More" in pursuit of bigger cars, houses and boats when you already have something that fits the necessity of your circumstances. For me, I don't need a boat. I have no use for one, so to have one just because someone else has one is a definition of poor intent. It would be wasteful and selfish. However, let's say that I supplement my family's food by fishing. Perhaps a boat DOES have a necessity for my circumstances and, therefore, makes sense to own one. In similar manner, purchasing a home that is above my need and necessity would be a wasteful use of resources. I have a small family and don't need thousands of square feet. On top of that, neither my husband nor myself have a job that requires entertaining of large groups of people nor any other circumstance wherewith I can conceive the need for a large home. It is also ridiculous for people to brag over how MUCH they paid for a home. That isn't worthy...but, if you were able to get a good deal, that is something interesting to share...we all expect expensive things to be expensive, so putting it out there that you paid the norm is more of shouting to the world that you have more money than you know what to do with. And, I think everyone is fairly familiar with this sense of more not being a good thing. On the other hand, there are many things where the pursuit of more IS good. For instance, wanting to know more about a subject and learning as much as you can concerning it is worthwhile pursuit of "more". Serving others more and doing more good in the world are also good uses of "more". Stretching yourself to more fully follow the Savior Jesus Christ is also an excellent "more" pursuit. Of course, this comes with the sensibility that you don't completely sacrifice good things while pursuing this path. For instance, raising a family is a good thing and you can balance all of that with the pursuit of other worthy causes and desires. You just have to put things in the proper perspective. The best way to do this is to make a list of reasons you think the "more" is beneficial not just to yourself, but to your family, your friends, and your community. Thinking about others is the way we get beyond the selfish "mores" that have plagued our generation and puts things back into perspective. Just think about it: when we are not selfish, we not only improve our communities and our families, but it also knocks out things like debt, clutter, and the like. So, wanting "more" isn't necessarily bad in and of itself. Take time to think about the reasons you do something and make more of the world around you by doing so.