Something has plagued my mind in the recent weeks as I see God's hand move in my life.
Has life always been complicated but by being in the so called "rat race" our eyes have been blinded to the truth? That truth being there more to life than making money, going to church, and doing daily duties that you feel completes your life-having the ME syndrome. Are we so wrapped up in what WE do that the minute WE stop, our emotions are solely focused on how WE feel and what WE want? Are we that self focused on making a living or getting enough money that we don’t realize we have become a different person?
As a Christian it is so hard for me to understand the ME concept so many have but as I look at the past years I have realized I have fallen into that category. Not only have I been self absorbed in my walk (asking God for things and not stopping actually listen to Him) but I have allowed myself to fall into a pit of uncertainty. Will I have enough money to pay bills? Will I meet all expectations in my new job? Will I make friends? What if i Screw up this relationship? What happens if someone at home gets sick and I’m not there? What if I can’t...? STOP!!!! Stop, I tell myself. All of those questions have one thing in common...the word "I". I am no longer just me. I am no longer my own ruler or for that matter the only one on this planet! So why must I refer to me as being the only one in this world? There are thousands to millions of children gasping for breath as they run and hide from abuse, slavery, or children who cry because there is no one to turn to, no hope for tomorrow. And here I am selfish, vain, seeking my own satisfaction and personal gain when I have EVERYTHING I need-Jesus Christ. There are times when I am flabbergasted by how self absorbed we (myself included) are now. I CAN eat; I CAN walk down the street and not be filled with terror. I have money, clothes, a home, love and most importantly knowing Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. BUT I also have those things to give! The Bible tells us:
Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive. “
With this said I do not think Jesus meant give because it will make you feel good. That places you right back in the center of you own little word and in the "me me me" scenario once again. But when you give, give in Christ. I have never felt more satisfied than when I gave for Christ and He used little ol’ me as a tool, a messenger of God’s love. Selfless giving…not In hopes you’ll get something back.
My confusion stems from the idea of why is it so hard for people to grasp these 2 concepts
1.) it is not all about them
2.) why is it so hard for people to give selflessly?
These questions I have pondered because I myself fall into the category of this. I weep at the thought of Jesus nailed to the Cross taking our sins and my selfish “me” syndrome upon Himself. Our lives would not even be of consequence if Jesus said “you know what, this stinks. I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t like doing any of this. It’s not MY problem. I’M perfect. I want to go home. This isn’t fair. I had to leave MY home and MY Throne and MY shoes and walk around teaching people who don’t even care about ME.” And just got off the cross and went home. But he didn’t. He gave…selflessly.
Jesus told us to walk in the likeness of Him. How is it then, that Jesus ,out of selfless unconditional love, took it upon Himself and gave His life- the only way for us to heaven,-and we can’t even give anything -a meal, a smile, 10 dollars, or even stop to say a prayer-to help those who need Him the most? I do not say this as a person who is being preachy or above this. I’m telling myself as well that we were not put on this earth to live day by day in a self absorbed or self centered lifestyle. We were placed on this earth to give glory to God and bring aid to those who have not found Him but are searching for someone to take time to share His love. Give…Give in God’s glory.
Won’t you give? Why haven’t you? Is now your time to hang up yourself? Fling it at the cross and say” no more will I walk in me but will walk in Christ.”
Are you pondering how to give? you have the desire but no direction? i would encourage you to visit www.worldorphans.org and find out how you can give.
Pray for me as I pray for you in hope that Christ will continue to be real in our lives.
2 comments:
I really like this blog Jenna. You did a great job on the graphic too. It really captures in a glance what you said in the blog. The cult of self is a seductive and enticing group with a membership of 1. When we look to ourselves, we tend toward hedonism, looking for value in things to satisfy us. When we look to God we tend to find purpose and value, and HE satisfies us. Thanks for writing this!
I meant to add... It's a great reminder to me too. You wouldn't think a Guatemalan missionary would suffer from this, but it's as difficult here as in the States because of fewer socio-cultural connections.
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