As I lived with what I wrote Thursday, I thought I should clarify my intent and what I really think. First - His burden is light. It is a burden, it is a yoke - it does require us to submit and sacrifice. But the yoke is easy and the burden is light. The burden we will ultimately bear in this world if we choose to reject the yoke - the submission and sacrifice that He has for us - on the other hand, is heavy. The point is that He is worthy of our all. A focus on Him and a willingness to surrender all, evidenced by sacrificial giving, is a path to participation in His purpose and joy - resulting in that easy yoke and light burden.
So, in light of considering our “but”, how do we prevent that from becoming a burden that is hard to bear? How much is enough? How much is too much?
I can’t answer that for any of you. Who am I kidding - I can’t even answer that for me. It is very dangerous to compare ourselves to other people either way - either saying; “I’m doing more than them so I’m OK” or saying; “so and so is doing more than me so I am falling short”. Surrender and willingness to Him is what is necessary. So I see it this way - we need to try not to ask how much is enough at all. Here is my practical application (I like practical applications and I realized my last post did not give one):
Be aware, be willing: Make yourself aware of His purpose, and of the great physical and spiritual needs in the world. Understand His passion for all people (we’re talking about people, not issues or causes - that’s just too impersonal), and understand their need and what his word says about our role in His plan. Become willing to give any piece or even all of what you have IF He calls you to that.
Live simply, give sacrificially: To what extent - how much sacrifice? Wrong question. Remember, we’re not going there. Start down the road with one step. If you don’t know how much or how far down that road is right for you, just start with something. Give up one specific, small, tangible luxury and put that to use for His plan. Prayerfully offer it to Him and tell Him it is offered to Him as sign that you want His will in your life, you want to know how much is the right balance for you. Ask Him to give you His Spirit as a guide and a comfort as you wrestle with this question. We ask for wisdom and He gives The Guide. We ask for comfort and He gives The Comforter. But we must do our part. In this area, I believe that means living more simply than we could otherwise - even if only to a very small degree at first - and giving something that requires a sacrifice (even if a very small sacrifice)... and seeking Him - doing that with a focus on Him, His plan, and the great need around us.
He promised to give The Guide. Our willingness and initial step down the road WILL be met by Him in His grace and mercy to show us the way. Sometimes I’m just not very patient in waiting for Him. I need to work on that.
Posted by Jim at 05:32 AM. Filed under: Giving • Jim's Existential Ramblings •
