A few weeks ago I did something that I haven’t done in years: I opened my mail. Although I am not a full fledged member of the digerati (I am hopelessly addicted to the print versions of my favorite periodicals: The New Yorker, The Hollywood Reporter, National Geographic and Vanity Fair), I conduct the vast majority of my affairs (including paying my bills) in cyberspace by computer or mobile phone. Ergo, I rarely, read, or respond my mail because..well, there is really nothing for me to read or respond to. Most of the information I receive in the mail is dated at best and redundant at worse.

But as the growing pile of unopened mail began to swallow increasing amounts of the available work space at the kitchen counter, I decided to stop the madness. I began tossing dozens of envelopes in the trash without even looking at what was being tossed. But towards the end of my temporary fit of tidiness, I noticed an envelope sticking out of the trash from a credit card company with whom I carry a balance. I still don’t know why I decided to retrieve the letter from the trash, open it up and read it—but I did.

The letter was entitled “Summary of Cardholder Agreement,” and it contained several paragraphs of legalese informing me of the changes in some of the terms of our agreement. But it was the table on the back of the letter that caught my eye. The table informed me that if I only made the “minimum payment” the balance would be settled in 28 years! I was shocked, because neither the balance or the interest rate of that card are that high. Furthermore, absolutely none of the benefits of that card are good enough to be paying it until I am 82 years old!

That phrase “minimum payment” ignited my curiosity. Specifically, I was curious to know how it is calculated, and how on earth a balance so low would take so long to pay. Interestingly, I discovered that while there is no standard formula for determining how “minimum payments” are calculated, most credit issuers either charge a flat percentage of the outstanding balance, or a flat percentage plus interest and fees. In my research, I discovered that most companies charge 2 percent, and many charge even less. Well, that explained how the balance could be extended for 28 years. It reminded me a song by the Fugees: Killing me Softly (LOL)

But regardless of how they are calculated, it should be obvious that only paying the minimum is in the credit card company’s best interest—definitely not in yours or mine. On the surface it seems attractive. But seeing the true cost of “minimum payments” staring me in the face sent shockwaves through my spirit. It seems that “minimum payments” are not so minimal after all. Minimum payments are used by credit card issuers to maximize their profit. But profit to them spells pain to us.

It occurred to me that “minimum payments” are not just a strategy employed by credit card issuers to maximize profit. It is also unfortunately a philosophy that guides how many of us live our lives. Many of us only give the bare minimum of our time, attention, and energy. Many of us do only enough to “get by.” Many of us will not the make the sacrifices necessary to take full advantage of our gifts, our opportunities, or our relationships. And while the strategy may maximize our pleasure, it squanders our potential. We never quite get “there” because we are always only giving the least that is required.

There is an episode in scripture that illuminates this truth. Jesus was teaching by the Sea of Galilee, when he saw two boats that were empty. Since they weren’t being used, he asked the owners of the boat if he could use them as a temporary stage from which to address the crowd. They agreed. When Jesus was done teaching, he commanded Peter (who was one of the owners of the boat) to “go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” Peter was reluctant to do so. According to Luke 5:7, Peter said to Jesus , “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing..”

Albert Einstein said that “insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.” On one level, Jesus’ request was insane. Nothing had changed: the same fisherman were in the same water, in the same boats, using the same equipment. Why try again? Because on another level, everything had changed: Jesus was on the boat. So Peter continued: “nevertheless at Your word, Lord I will let down the net.” So Peter let down the net.

That detail is worth noting. Jesus’ instruction was to let down his “nets.” Peter agreed to let down the “net.” “Nets” is plural. “Net” is singular. Jesus wanted Peter to employ every net in his possession. But Peter decided that he was only going to use one net. Peter decided to make a “minimum payment.” As a result, he almost drowned, tore the net that he had, and required emergency assistance—because he wasn’t prepared to handle the blessing that Jesus knew was coming his way.

Here’s my question for you today: in what areas of your life are you only making “minimum payments?”

All of us are guilty of not using all that we have or doing all that we can. We tend to desire as much as possible but often give as little as possible. Paying the full balance of our dreams and desires is rarely attractive.

But do me a favor: start fishing with all your nets.

Do more than is required.

Do more than just enough to get by.

Make more than the minimum payment.