On selflessness.
The moment we start seeing our service just as a source of many costs (goals in life, time with family, excellence in school, hours of sleep, relationships, etc.) rather than a gift with many blessings (personal ones, not just fruits or victories in service), we are in trouble. For God always seeks to bless us and not harm us. (Insp. Jeremiah 29:11)
When Christ agonized about his mission in the garden of Gethsemane, he did not spend his time there counting the costs of it. Rather, completely vulnerable and honest before the Father, He lifted the entirety of his weakened will to Him. Abba,[a] Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” – Mark 14:36
When I start to feel the weight of many costs, my response is an immediate submission of my one will. What a blessing it is to have moments of ‘agony’ that allow me to become fully aware of the weight of my mission. Yes, it stirs me, it bothers me and it does hurt some times. But I find myself no longer complacent or ‘lukewarm’. Reinvigorated, I re-offer my “Yes” to Him, and engage in it, commit to it wholeheartedly once again. Luke 1:38- Lord, may it be done to me according to your word… Not mine.
The consequence of Jesus completing His mission is the gift of salvation for all. The fruits of His mission were never meant for Himself, but for us. He freely accepted death, so that we may be the ones that would have new life in Him and with Him.
One of the most rewarding things about mission is counting the many personal encounters with the Lord I am able to recognize, especially when all I see around me are costs. In my prayer time, I see parts of Jesus’ agony to have also included the counting of costs for us- of every single person of the world, had his weakened will kept him from carrying out his mission. But gratefully, this lead him to be even more resigned to carry through.
Lord, out of love for us, you have always been single-minded for us. Grant us the grace to live solely for you by striving to be always forever mindful of your people in all that we do.
From Your Beloved,
@ Cinderellish