In a world where we are taught to serve ourselves, it is difficult to explain the philosophy of Jesus Christ both to those who believe and to those who do not. My goal for the end of this school year has been to help the students understand how to think like Jesus, and how to live like Him. This means putting others first. It means not reacting when we are offended. It means showing love to our enemies.
Kids generally love Jesus and believe. But when you explain specific situations where we are to pray blessing upon those who curse us, and do good to them who do wrong to us ... it's so much harder for them to act upon.
Thing is, that's not just true for kids. It's true for me, too. As I've been teaching the students to put away malice, deceit, envy, hypocrisy, and evil speaking, I have told them I need this just as much. But the truth is, I didn't really have anything specific in mind. I just know the philosophy should be part of my life.
So then last night, my friend asked if I was going to call my mom for Mother's Day. I said, "Probably, but I really don't want to." We talked back and forth about it, and this was the bottom line: it's important for me to show love regardless of the response. The Gospel and the love of Christ should be my motivation---not expectations.
Hmmm, just as I've been teaching to my students. Oh look, self, time to put away hypocrisy.
It was hard for me to hear the words he was saying. Why? Well, because I don't want to do it! I don't want the responsibility of taking the love of Christ to my family! It's too hard. How shameful. That is my purpose--to glorify God, and I am saying, "NO!" The no comes so easily because I'm set in my thought process of expectations. I expect my parents should act a certain way toward me, and they do not.
Lord, help me to let go of these expectations and hold on to your love and strength.
4 comments:
Good words. I needed to hear that.
I have to keep redefining "love" as God sees it as opposed to my own sordid term. I am quite happy to love people who shall benefit me in some fashion. When I know my love will not be "appreciated" I can often come up with excuses on why I should not apply it.
Garry - That's pretty much what I've learned and didn't spell out ... that real love isn't exactly what we think it is. :)
Yeah I definitely feel where you are coming from with this. I know that my extended family should receive my love but I instead choose to avoid them as much as possible including on holidays.
I had not realized that you left me aa comment on my blog. sorry to get back to you late. I have read A Million miles and in fact I'm reading it now a second time! lol. Great book, I'm really trying to apply its message to my life so that I ca start living a better story.
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