One of Michael W. Smith’s songs talks about “Giving it Away”. It mentions Jesus’ secret ambition was to give His life away. That is so contrary to what society is telling us to do. We are bombarded with the idea of doing whatever makes us happy, and to walk over whoever gets in our way. This hurts me to confess, but I often find myself wanting to do things for others, motivated by the recognition that it would lead to.
We tend to idolise sport – and movie stars who give millions for good causes. This is often done for good publicity. Companies donate huge amounts to charities and we end up supporting those businesses because of these acts of kindness. In most cases, it doesn’t cost them anything because it’s tax deductible. In fact, it has a positive effect on their sales, and actually benefits them. My critical attitude towards the before mentioned could be seen as valid, when in fact, it was hypocritical. I was doing exactly the same; patting myself on the back and posting it all over social media when giving for a good cause, or helping in my community.
We often do that as a society. We weigh up what we give, with what we get. As long as our returns outweigh what we give, we’re happy. As long as we get back what we’ve given, with some interest, we’re okay with it. You see, when what we are willing to do for others, is solely dependant on what we can gain from it, our heart isn’t in it. The only love we are then showing is a love for ourselves.
“They alone live, who live for others. The rest are more dead than alive.”
When we get to a place where our giving costs us, and we don’t benefit at all – we end up benefiting the most. It is only then that we start living louder. When we live louder by giving unconditional love to the “unlovable”, we find that we don’t need to splash it all over Facebook or make sure that everyone knows about it. Our reward is intrinsic. It’s knowing that Our Father sees what we are doing and is pleased with what motivates our actions.
“What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?” (Mark 8:36)
Have an awesome day!
Mark Davidson
