For a long time I was going about things rather selfishly. I have my aspirations, goals, dreams, and a desire to please God. In between all my own desires I would try to squeeze in some pleasing sacrifice. Perhaps help out a homeless person on the street. Big plans for a charity project but slow goings at work and so much pleasing things to do make these plans move forward very slowly.<\/p>\n
How much time a day do I spent lulling about, making various snacks, smoking a cigarette, indulging in a beer? I am presently reading Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, <\/i>by Alcoholics Anonymous. A surprisingly powerful read about complete submission to a Higher Self or God being the only way to overcome this debilitating disease. A concept which all subsequent self-help groups are founded on. But the book goes far beyond that, questioning the very core of one’s motives. Listing the endless arguments clanging around in our heads like marbles and which justify ourselves not to help out someone at a particular moment.<\/p>\n
But complete submission is a very difficult step. One has to be in quite a desperate situation to resort to such a step, in full earnest. When we ask for help in surrendering ourselves to God, he might provide us with such a situation.<\/p>\n
But since I’m a rich man struggling to crawl through the eye of a needle, and I don’t want to give up (too much of) my comforts, I conclude that, in the very least, I can surrender my will to the needs of those around me. After all, doesn’t the second commandment say it is essentially the same as the first, which is that by serving those around us we are serving God. Of course, it does not mean serving everyone who asks you, otherwise your sacrifice will be exploited, but to choose with discernment. On the other hand, God sees much more than we do and could send us someone we misjudge, so keep your senses open and acute. Certain moments have that God feel to it.<\/p>\n
Therefore, if you are like me, unable to completely surrender your will, at least you can willfully apply sacrifice<\/i> to those in need around you. By interacting with and helping out someone in need, you are willfully exercising sacrifice, while the more you exercise the closer you will be in shape to run God’s marathon. At least a closer step to the ultimate goal.<\/p>\n
But imagine that, during this process, you come into contact with all sorts of people you would not have otherwise, boundless opportunities sprout, you develop a shining reputation in several communities, and unexpected benefits swing back to you in ways you would have never imagined.<\/p>\n
A win-win game. Rather than make some effort to sacrifice at least 10% of your resources to some charitable activity, actively sacrifice every available moment during the day, as the need surfaces. Rather than busy yourself with how to achieve your various goals. Your dreams were given to you by God. It is his gift to you, and they will come to you, if you follow the good path. Sure, on the way, take whatever steps are required to get there, but don’t make those steps an obsession, getting disgruntled whenever a call for help comes along that might get in the way of your immediate plans. Willfully overcome your urge to serve yourself and consider it active submission<\/i>. A willful expression of your desire to serve God, a needed exercise in humility, AND you prosper in unexpected ways. The more you open your heart the more the world with its boundless opportunities open to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"