With Valentine’s day last week, there was a lot of focus on LOVE. Our focus on this day of love is typically on those we are close to. Those we love because of the relationship we have with them.
But, God asks us to go even deeper. God tells us the greatest commandment is to Love.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. [John 13:34-35]
He is not asking us to only love those who we consider easy to love. He is asking us to love all His children. Humph! That is a big ask.
If you are a fan of peanuts, this quote features Linus telling Lucy about his aspirations to be a doctor. Of course, as only Lucy can do, she undercuts his aspiration. But, this time Linus gets the last word in. Linus loves humans as a race, but he detests certain individuals.
I do believe we all come to this earth being good at heart. We are made in the image and likeness of God.
I also believe that life happens and circumstances can change us. We also have teachers along the way. Teachers who take us aside and show us compassion when we mess up. They help direct us on better paths.
I began wondering about the number of people I’ve had contact with in my life. People who were looking to me to teach them. In my own business or selfishness, I didn’t take the opportunity to help guide them.
I have had times when I have reached out and tried to minister to others. It can feel defeating when they make a choice to not seek God. When I feel like I am not making a difference, I doubt myself and want to give up.
What God reminded me, is that:
“We are not responsible for each other, but we are responsible to each other.”
I am not responsible for the choices others make. I am responsible to love them enough to disciple to them. Once I I do my job, it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to work in them.
I need to be intentional about being present in the moment. This way, I don’t miss the opportunities God puts in front of me.
“Even though we think of our goals as some future state to achieve, the real goal is always the life in this moment, this moment, this moment. ~Charlotte Beck
I don’t want to miss an opportunity of fulfilling a purpose God has for me in my life. An opportunity to love others as He loves me. I may miss that opportunity if I am not fully present in the moment with others.
How many of you have said … oh, I’ll wait and call them tomorrow. Maybe next month we can go see them.
Whatever it is, when our focus is living until (fill in the blank), we aren’t really living. The until may never come and then we stop living all together. We have missed the opportunity God has called us to.
So, seize the moment you are in. You are in that moment for a purpose. A purpose God has called you to.
I know I don’t want anyone to pass through my life. I don’t want someone to later ask, “Who forgot to teach them?”
I challenge you to do the same.
With love and joy,
Laura
Leave a Reply