Edgewater Grace

I first saw it in the Message bible.  While every bible I’ve read has issued the same commands spoken by Jesus, I didn’t fully understand what he meant until the Message bible proclaimed the Word in our lingo.  I understand now how deeply paramount to the world the work of the bible translators really is.  But, I digress.

Jesus said that we are not to strive for the things that we want for ourselves any longer.  We are to ‘take up our crosses and walk’, following Jesus and doing what He commands.  But, it is only in the Message bible where I see the command that I am supposed to strive to help others.  As a matter of fact, it says that just like God the Father acts to meet our needs before it is released from our mouths, we are to do the same for our brothers and sisters in this world.  We are to act on it – First.

Driving to work should no longer spent pondering what I want to do, where I want to go, or what I want to purchase for myself.  It has actually become even more exciting than that.  Now, when I remember Jesus’ command, I focus all of my energy on how I can bring joy to another person.  How I can strive to do so, and to meet a need prior to them even being aware of it. I have to admit, its one of the most exciting things I can think of to be engaged in.  I just don’t understand why I don’t engage in the activity more often.  I think that events happen and we can quickly return to a disengaged attitude and plod along on autopilot, not even seeing how far from glory we have fallen yet again.

Sometimes I don’t know a need exists, and so it is hard to discover everything a brother or sister might need.  But, it’s so much fun to strive to give even more when someone asks a favor of us.  Maybe you don’t have a lot of cash, or time.  But, you have something that God has lavishly given you, and out of sheer generosity, you can share that abundance with those around you.  God didn’t give it to you alone.  He meant for you to share the abundance of His love.

I challenge you to spend the drive to work in the morning striving hard to bring joy to your bosses or colleagues day.  Do something extraordinary for them.  Bring them the Love of God.  Don’t expect or even look for them to give anything back.  Do it out of sheer generosity.  Just like God has treated you.  I can say that you will relish the experience, and find yourself actively engaged in loving your brothers and sisters the way Jesus really recommended that we do it.