How much sweeter life would have been if I had been what I am now becoming. I can feel the change, although at times it seems very gradual. I suppose that’s how God wants it to be. We live in a world, particularly in developed societies, where waiting patiently for things is just not acceptable. Even our technology centers on getting it good, getting it cheap and getting it NOW.
Microwave ovens can put out tasty, home-cooked meals in minutes. Remote controls save time and energy from having to waddle over to the TV or other device in order to activate it. Why go to the doctor’s office when your online medical advisor is just a click away? The internet is the world’s largest shopping mall and flea market. Screen possible mates on the web before you actually have to interact with them. Instead of having to deal with our own problems, we can escape to an abbreviated version of someone else’s woes in a huge lineup of reality shows. Drive-thru’s are everywhere and provide quick access to food, dry cleaning, tag renewals and your money.
I’ll be the first to confess to enjoying the conveniences, but have we begun to worship them? George MacDonald said,
To have what we want is riches, but to be able to do without is power.
Jesus spoke of denying ourselves, and I think a good many Christians see it simply as giving up things, like sticking to your diet, don’t bite your nails, save your money, stay home more and surpass your tithes with offerings. While these attributes are admirable, and may be part of the end result, I believe that our focus is in the wrong place. Centering on, and then completing such challenges gives us a form of satisfaction, to be sure, but may also feed our pride and set us above our neighbor.
The key to denying ourselves is not so much giving up, but giving over. Our greatest form of worship is the daily care of others. And in any given 24-hour day there are likely plenty of “others” to care for. Family, friends, neighbors, church family and work associates, not to mention folks you meet as you go throughout your day. Unless you’re a hermit, you will always have someone to care for.
So how do you care for them? By redirecting your thoughts and energy from yourself to someone else. Should you give up any time for yourself? Of course not. But when another human enters your “space,” the dynamic changes. You then have a blessed opportunity to serve them. By listening, helping, advising (if they ask for it!) and sharing. And you might be surprised to see how good you feel when doing so.
We find ourselves too much lately claiming our space and not allowing others to “take advantage of us.” Is that what it’s all about? We have an incredibly short period of time this side of death to complete the task given us. Some of us, most of us have wasted many years without a clue. Have we learned nothing from our servant Savior? His was a short life of obedience, and his joy was to serve those that his Father had created.
How great it would be when two or more gathered sought to serve each other! It would leave no room for hurt, anger or jealousy. Sounds Eutopian, doesn’t it? That’s what heaven is all about. And we don’t have to wait.
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