Just Say - Yes

I've been thinking quite a bit this week about last Sunday's message at the Hall. We were looking at Philippians 2:5-13, and exploring why we should be saying 'yes' to God. The scripture passage can be found here.

The fact that we can even debate the matter, speaks of something about God. He does not demand blind obedience - He allows us freedom of choice. He doesn't want us as slaves.

Who does Jesus call? Why, ordinary people like you and me. He can use you, and God has a unique and special plan for each of our lives. Each of us has our own unique talents that God asks us to share with others. God values all of these. And God will not ask anything of us that we are not capable of doing.

Perhaps it won't be an easy path - I am reminded of the many who have suffered and died for their faith. For example, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu could have lived a very rewarding and fairly comfortable life in a convent, but at the age of 36 God asked her to consider another path, which led her to work with the “poorest of the poor” in India. He didn't command her to go there, but He asked and she said yes. It was hard work - she had very little support and, even while she tried to feed and help the poorest of the poor, she herself was constantly hungry and even had to beg for food. However, she persevered - and now everyone is aware of the legacy of the nun we now know as Mother Teresa.

Now, obviously, we aren't all called to do to heroic things like Mother Teresa, nor to give up our lives like the martyrs. Like I said, He doesn't promise an easy ride. He never tells us that it won't be risky. There will be things you'll have to give up, to leave behind.

What will your answer be?

We could say "no".
We could say "let me think about it and I'll get back to you".
We could say "sorry, I'm a bit too busy now, perhaps later".
We could say "I’d rather do something a bit easier".

But the answer He wants to hear ... is "yes".

Talents

Over the summer break, the Corps leadership started on a series of studies about the parables of Jesus. The first was the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The study certainly sparked a thought or two in my mind! Read the passage here.

In fact, the sums mentioned here were of a staggering amount - a 'talent' is the equivalent of the sum a man could make in over 20 years of work. However, it's soon clear that Jesus is not talking about money - and it is this interpretation which seems to be the origin of the word 'talent' used for an aptitude or skill.

I've spent some time since that meeting considering the servant who had only one 'talent'... In this parable, this servant didn't do anything - instead, he simply buried the money, keeping it safe from robbers but not using it to its full potential. This may seem strange to a 21st Century audience, however burying treasure was commonplace at the time.

The point is, although this servant was afraid to lose the master's money, he was also too afraid to take a risk. Instead, he looked after himself - burying his 'talent' so as not to lose it.

I'm aware of this teaching as being an encouragement to Jesus' followers to use their gifts in the service of God. The Lord wants us to use this, to multiply what He has given us.

However, if we don't share our gifts, if that 'talent' is buried, unused - the Gospel is not shared. It is simply wasted opportunity. Faithfulness is what Jesus requires of us - and all who are faithful will be fruitful in some way. And our eventual reward will be based on that faithfulness, and not results.

Too Much Or Not Enough?

I've been looking at the '40 Acts of Kindness' resource since Lent started a few days ago. There is a link to it here. And already I've encountered a specific and definite challenge... a need for me to reexamine the whole concept of generosity. This was underlined by the message at my home Corps today (although my minister didn't know I had this very post in draft)...

It's a good thing to be known for being generous. However, I know that many people feel they can't give as much as they would like. Either in terms of money, or by using time or talents voluntarily. I get to hear this sort of thing on a regular basis - usually on those days when I am out fundraising.

However, I was challenged the other day with a thought that generosity can often connected to power - and that has started to trouble me just a little bit...

• Does my generosity to others stem from true compassion, or simply from a need to be respected or valued? To have the moral high ground? 
• Am I doing it because everyone else is?
• Do I give just to make me feel good? A warm feeling at the end of the day?

Being truly generous makes you vulnerable. Every penny you give to others is one you can't spend on your own needs. Give away just a little too much, and you run the risk of not having enough to feed or clothe yourself...

Or, thinking in terms of time, can you get so busy looking after others that you are often neglecting your own needs? Leaving yourself out? Neglecting your own household, your own family?

And so the big question is - how much is too much?

I must admit that I suffer from feelings of  confusion here; of embarrassment; of guilt; of vulnerability. I want to make a difference. I try and give what I can but am constantly challenged to give more; to do much more. I want to be a blessing to others. I realise that my generosity is my own choice; however it is one that can often upset others (I get asked at least once a week "why do you give up so much of your own free time doing this?"). Yes, I get criticised for what I do. I have been hurt quite deeply in the past.

So, is it just for my own self-gratification? OK, let's take that out of the equation. It's tricky - being a member of a uniformed organisation makes you awfully visible. However, over the last three years I have tried to keep some my own acts of generosity quiet. It can be difficult (some people find out and take time to tell me off later!).  However, I have found that is remarkably effective. But is that right? Jesus taught us to "not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing" (Matthew 6:3). Still trying to work through this concept...

Is it because I want to feel good? Still working on that one... but as long as the main reason is to make others feel better, surely I am on the right lines...

And another thing... A reading the other day highlighted another fact: that I can only give because God has first given to me. I can't give what I haven't got. But I can give what I have.

It concluded that giving is inseparably linked to receiving; Therefore I can only begin to be used by God to meet another’s need whilst I am allowing God to meet my own. And that means admitting my own vulnerability (something that I find extremely difficult)...

Hmmm... comments welcomed...

Faith is spelled R.I.S.K…

... and I have blogged a little bit about risk before. I have also written quite a bit on the subject of faith before.

Being a follower of Jesus takes faith - even to the extent of looking a fool. Jesus never promised His followers that everything would be “rosy”.

In fact, quite the opposite. He said:

Mark 8:34-38 (The Message)
Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I’m leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you’ll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendour of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels.”

We are called to live an "alternative" lifestyle. A life of sacrifice, a life of denying oneself and living the way Christ teaches us to. And that can be scary. And can makes you feel extremely vulnerable.

But it's the right way. The way to go...

Taking Risks

A discussion during a Bible Study session held last year on the subject of risk-taking has been occupying my mind. It has taken me a while to pull together all the references I wanted to share - and the preparation for this entry took me right back to the economics and insurance textbooks that I studied all those years ago!

You see, each of us have a different perception of risk. We treat it differently. Some people actively seek out risk, and live life on the edge all the time. These are probably the bungee-jumpers, the potholers, cliff-divers. This could also include those who are tempted to gamble. They are known as risk preferrers. Others are less enthralled by the prospect, and are by nature much more cautious (or risk averse). Take investments; imagine a choice of two almost similar stocks, a risk averse investor would prefer the one with the lower risk.

I understand that men tend to be risk preferrers, with women tending to be risk adverse. I'm sure there are a whole host of exceptions to that rule that will come to mind, and I would agree with you, however that is the general trend.

The point was made during the Bible Study is that statisticially there are fewer men in the church than women. Is this because of the style of worship? The length of the meetings? The quality of tea or coffee we drink afterwards? If men tend to be the risk-takers of society, why don't you see them taking a risk and giving the Christian lifestyle a go for a change? It's certainly not easy at times, the challenges are high, the level of commitment needed is total. Plenty of risk here.

I've read around the topic, and one article that I read online said that men live this way, live life on the edge, so they can earn their place in society. They face financial ruin, run the risk of injury or even death to win through and gain the respect of their fellow man. Even in an office environment us fellas are told 'lunch is for wimps'! Men need to win, to be successful. Second place isn't what they're aiming for. Plan A is to succeed and win the grand prize. Winning that big contract, meeting that deadline, pulling out all the stops. How highly do us men rate our soccer stars, putting them up on a pedestal when they win through, win that trophy. How quickly are they dropped when they fail.... how easy the criticism flows when they miss the mark!

Maybe that's the key... I know many male friends who struggle because they've tried - and failed. When you're a winner, everyone wants to know you; when you're no longer winning you're yesterday's news.

But in really not an issue when you respond to Jesus' call. Society criticises, but Christ forgives. His stock in trade is 'second chances'. He offers you new life, a new purpose.

Sure it's risky - but He wants to share the adventure with you, to walk alongside you, to give you advice. To share the highs - and the lows - with you.

Why not give it a go?