By Terry Maples

I find myself often using this expression:  “Less is more!” I’m sure you can think of many situations where you would agree with this statement. Here are some examples:

• When you are with someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, fewer words are often preferable and more comforting.
• When it comes to the busyness of life, less is more. We must resist the temptation to fill our days with activity. This is especially true during the Season of Advent.
• When it comes to shopping (at least for me), less is always more. I get what I need and move on! My goal is to resist the consumer culture, i.e. the latest-and-greatest must-haves for this year.
• When you are in conflict with your spouse or a good friend, most often saying less is more. In the heat of anger, use words sparingly!
• When your parents are “lecturing” you, less is always more!
• When giving directions to a specific location, often less is more. Too many details and the person gets confused or lost.
• When you are discussing menu items with the waiter in an ethnic restaurant where English is spoken as a second language, less is more. Too many words and who knows what you will end up with for lunch!
• When filling your plate at a church pot-luck dinner, less is more. Too much on your plate or too many trips to the dessert table and you will probably feel bad the rest of the day.
• When it comes to hair, less is more. I can speak from experience here. Less hair is a lot less work and effort. My investment of time and energy focused on my hair shrinks daily!

As I have reflected upon this expression, I have come to realize LESS IS MORE does not ring true in all situations. Here are some prime examples:

• When expressing love for and spending time with those closest to us, less is not more. Those we love need to hear our words of affirmation, encouragement and support frequently. They need quality time with us.  Withholding our presence or vital feedback from our loved ones could have dire consequences.
• When it comes to investing time in our faith development, less is definitely not more. God desires an intimate relationship with us. Quality of relationship is directly tied to the quantity of time invested. The more time we spend nurturing our faith, the more connected we feel to God.
• When showing care and concern to the poor and needy in our communities, less is not more. Jesus clearly teaches us we show our love for God by how we serve. He said when we serve the least of these we serve him. Serving the needy seems natural during the Christmas season of giving. Having our eyes open to see needs at Christmas is commendable, but Jesus expects this kind of ministry and justice throughout the year!

I could go on with examples, but when it comes to words, less is often more! So, I close by articulating one more significant place where less is NOT more. Less support of CBF’s global mission enterprise is NOT more. Field personnel who feel called by God to serve among the most neglected deserve our generous support.

The more we give to the Offering for Global Missions the less time field personnel must spend raising funds for their ministry and the more time they can minister to those around them.

As you prepare to celebrate God’s incalculable Gift to humankind, remember your gifts to global missions make a lasting difference in people’s lives. In this case, more definitely is more!

Terry Maples is field coordinator for Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.