In a possible leak of what I will talk about tomorrow at the PA meeting, I feel compelled to share this quote from A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald:
"Humility is freedom from thinking about yourself."
It may be empowering to frame humility in this context. I assure you, this is the message that Christ conveyed with his life in regards to selflessness. He said that we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free. What many do not read on to find out is that the Jews were stunned when he said this. Basically, they scratched their heads and replied,
"Free? Free from what?"
From sin, of course. That's what he said. From egocentrism-- from self-centered, narcissistic, God-usurping self-concentration. The truth will set us free. That truth walked out of the city with death strapped to his back and assured everyone who followed him that this life is not for us to hold onto, it is for us to give. The truth is humility, it's selflessness. He said,
"If I didn't have to do this, I wouldn't. But I entrust myself to your will, Father."
Well, shoot. No one said it was easy. I won't romanticize daily suffering-- it is what it is, and it sucks. For some reason, the powerful drug that enflamed the bones of prophets and apostles has been turned into hopeless, helpless tylenol PM... good for minor aches, pains, and sleeping. I noticed it in chapel today: in myself and in everyone else. We're asleep.
I don't think I've ever read anything in the Bible that says anything good about people who fall asleep.
Tradition supports the humble. Scripture stands behind the selfless. Reason causes us to desire it. Experience makes us know it is good. I don't see anywhere we can fight this, brothers and sisters. We've got to wake up and free ourselves from thinking about ourselves!
2 comments:
"Selfless" (as defined by google):
(1) showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others
(2) done in a way that disregards concerns for the self and places other first
(3) the fifth episode of the seventh and final season of television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
"A Reslient Life" should be on everyone's reading list.
In Matthew 26:40 we read..."Then He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter. "Couldn't you watch with Me even one hour? Keep watch and pray so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!"
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