Limited Good
Illustration
by Bernie May

For many decades Eunice Pike worked with the Mazatec Indians in south-western Mexico. During that time she discovered some interesting things about these beautiful people. For instance, the people seldom wish someone well. Not only that, they are hesitant to teach one another or to share the gospel with each other. If asked, "Who taught you to bake bread?" the village baker answers, "I just know," meaning he has acquired the knowledge without anyone's help.

Eunice said this odd behavior stems from the Indian's concept of "limited good." They believe there is only so much good, so much knowledge, so much love to go around. To teach another means you might drain yourself of knowledge. To love a second child means you have to love the first child less. To wish someone well "Have a good day" means you have just given away some of your own happiness, which cannot be reacquired.

Multnomah Press, "Learning to Trust", by Bernie May