Doing proper service is like walking on a ridge. It is a long way down on either side. People not doing service are at the bottom of the right side. Truth without justice is not worth much. People doing service with the wrong attitude and motive are at the bottom of the left side of the ridge. Justice without truth is not worth much. Jesus had lots to say about both groups.I have spent much of my Christian life at the bottom of the right side of the ridge. I have spent so much time there that I recognize the different types of people that are also there. While there, I have heard many sermons about the dangers of falling to the left side of the ridge. I have even had a sense of pride about not being like those people at the bottom of the left side of the ridge. I have heard much less about the fact that we were equally in danger. I have sensed a certain fear of falling into the left side which may have played a role in preventing me from even getting close to the ridge.
How does one get up to the ridge? How does one stay on the path on the ridge without falling off? It seems to me that it would require intentional, well-directed effort and a certain attentiveness when on the path.
Since I have been practicing service as a spiritual discipline, I have experienced both sides of the ridge. I am scraping my way toward the ridge. I am wonder lots of things. I am eager to learn. One should not hike alone.
3 comments:
I seem to remember that at the begining of last year...you were saying alot about this knowing being and doing thing...but as the year progressed...it seems as though we forgot all about the being and knowing part...and became all about the doing...its true that a lot of Christians dont do service very much...but i think to do service right...and stay on the paht and not fall off the ridge...you must still have the knowing and being part...you cant get so full of yourself and service that you forget how to be humble and how to know how to give the glory to God and not your own efforts...doing is still just as important as the other two...but when does the act of doing overcome your ability to stay in touch with the being and knowing part of your spiritual life?
Right on Aaron. Being "full of yourself" without being humble just means you fell off the other side of the ridge.
As someone funny used to say: "What do you mean 'we', you gotta mouse in your pocket?"
Are you speaking about the church in general (as I was) or more specifically about the core group of people doing the bed project?
[continuing thoughts...]
You have to remember, Aaron, nothing is wasted. God uses our doing to teach us about ourselves, which is critical in the process of transformation, and about himself. That is what the spiritual disciplines are all about.
It sounds like you are wrestling with how to stay on the path, as I am. If you notice in yourself or others that we are full of ourselves, then you learned something. That is what the Holy Spirit does. We notice it and have the opportunity to make some changes.
Whoever is full of themselves can stop it and reorient themselves to a proper attitude. It does not mean that the effort was wasted. It we stick with the process, pay attention, and be obedient to what he is calling us to do, it will have served its purpose.
Also, be careful not to adopt an attitude of false humility. What we have done is a marvelous thing. Something to rejoice over. God, the origin of love, has moved us to show show mercy and compassion to the poor. We ought to be pumped about that. We ought to be excited that the families have been provided for in their need. He is.
That is not the same as pride (def: a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority). I do not think I am particularly special because I helped provide beds to needy families. I know of many other people that have given up much more. Your parents for one. But I am glad that God has broken through my hard heart to help me be more compassionate. I know from where compassion comes from.
Don't worry that we are overdoing doing. Trust me, we aren't. In our environment, if anything, we are most in danger of not doing enough.
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