Different Paths
When I find myself saying what I should or shouldn’t do it usually has more to do with other people’s values or beliefs than it does with my own. I’m hearing the voice of those around me or society at large. It is actually quite arrogant to presume to know what another person should do or how they should do it. I am not that person and they are not me. Succumbing to the pressure of doing what “should” be done contaminates peace and joy. Unrest reveals the inappropriateness of the step – presenting the opportunity to return to trust in the sovereignty and individuality of Christ in me.
People in the same environment often take steps contrary to those of another; and the differing actions will render the same outcomes in each. A common goal will be reached having arrived from opposite directions. As one goes left and another goes right, they arrive at the same place at the same time. One navigates an arduous uphill climb while the other travels through dank and darkened valleys. Either way, it is the correct path for each. The destination, after all, is not a location; the destination is the emergence of character. How can we possibly think we know what will effect change in another - or even presume to know what change is needed?
Work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ.) [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good satisfaction, and delight. Philippians 2:12-13 (AMP)
For Love or Money?
Living from the head instead of the heart will blind me to who I am and what I want to do in life. There are dozens of roles to play, duties to perform, or jobs to work to earn money; and the mind will easily justify forsaking what I want in lieu of the money I could make at jobs I dislike.
Discontent and unrest are born if the desires of the heart are sacrificed for money. What good is money without joy? What good is money if the “real me” isn’t present to use it? Taking a job that frustrates my being will generate grief and conflict. If my vocation is not in harmony with who I am then I’ll spend money to feel better about myself through the things I can buy.
Greed will emerge as repeated attempts to be satisfied by possessions fail. I’ll keep trying on “new things” to eleviate my misery. My ability to spend money in accordance with my true nature will be compromised by the unrelenting dissatisfaction I feel having abandoned my heart for the sake of income.
At this juncture, I don’t know what else to do but trust God to lead me through this maze. The head screams, the heart aches, the spirit leaps, and the flesh shakes…but through it all God remains active in me…faithfully finishing the good work He began.
Evidence of Grace
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:6
I’ve stopped looking at what another can do to measure what I think I should be able to do. What you do may be difficult for me and what’s easy for me may not be for you. Let’s not make our giftings an opportunity to judge or compare. Gifts are in accordance with the grace that’s been given. I have the grace that matches my gifts. It’s like getting a toy car for Christmas with the batteries included. I am given the gift and the energy that goes along with it. I recognize gifts by their accompanying grace.
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
That doesn’t mean it’s always easy; but it does mean that even when it’s tough I’ll have the grace to face the hard work. My desire to conquer the difficulty is in proportion to the grace that’s been given.
“I have written you quite boldly on some points because of the grace God gave me.” Romans 15:15
Paul spoke boldly because of the grace he was given. Others have a merciful gift and speak with greater empathy because of the grace given to them. The point is to be who I am, to accept myself, and to give all that I have. I can’t give what I don’t have or try to be who I am not. People need me for who I am. I love who He’s made me to be. I am equally as valuable as those whose gifts differ from my own.
“Those reputed to be pillars gave me the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that I should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that I should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Galatians 2:9-10
Grace distinguishes me from others. When a particular grace is evidenced then room is made for that gift. The right hand of fellowship is offered because it’s hard to argue with grace! Grace evidences God’s choice. When I have the grace to do something it is like a spotlight shining on me. Those who see will allow me to do what I’m gifted to do. The gift makes room for itself and each person’s gift becomes relevant and equal.
And, in the light of the grace that’s been given, I remember the poor. I offer my gift, my substance, and my being with no need for reward or response. I give because I want what’s been invested in me to yield an increase in myself and others. I will do what I’ve been graced to do and to leave the rest for someone else. I may never know why or fully understand how another life is impacted when I am just “me”…but God does, and that’s what matters.