My husband shared yesterday at our Sunday gathering. He used a particular illustration to highlight the difference between how we can have a relationship with God where we settle for making a contribution, only giving what is comfortable when it comes to our relationship, or choosing to make a commitment with our whole life.
The analogy goes as follows: “Some farm animals were talking about how wonderful the farmer was. They decided they wanted to make him feel special by preparing a wonderful breakfast for him the next day. The cow offered to contribute fresh milk for his coffee. The chicken offered to contribute fresh eggs to eat. The lamb offered wool to make the farmer’s chair comfortable.”
“Then everyone turned to look at the pig. “What are you going to contribute they all asked?”
“Not so fast.” said the pig. “For you, that’s just a contribution, giving milk, eggs and wool, but for me, it’s a total commitment.”
We can all be quite comfortable in not wanting to give our all, so we contribute like the cow, sheep and chicken. They could have given their all but they didn’t want the inconvenience, or the cost.
It’s an attitude we can have in everything we do, and especially in how we contribute only segments of our life to God. We compartmentalise our life, instead of giving 100%, and then wonder why our life often seems lacking in some way. We give a bit of our heart, a bit of our money, a bit of service, and a bit of our life. But God wants our all. For us to start our day with, “What do you want me to do?” “Where do you want me to be?” 100%, “I’m your’s”.
Jesus said, “if you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you”ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you”ll find both yourself and me”. (Matthew 10:39 The Message)
Once we get to know God a little we come to understand that He doesn’t want to “take” from our lives, but add to them. But far to often we fight to hold on to our second rate, beaten up old “stuff” when God has the true riches and treasures of heaven for us, and a meaningful, purpose filled life for us to live.
He says why worry and chase after the things the world chases after.He knows all our needs, and He’s got it covered. Instead, “seek first the kingdom of God above all else, and his righteousness (right way of living), and all these things will be added to you”. (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT
Today, make a decision to stop chasing after those things that never truly satisfy. Choose to seek after true riches, letting go of your life so that you can take up the life God wants to give you.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for being half-hearted, and not following after you 100%. I know that you only want the best for me, and that means letting go of my life and way of doing things, and choosing you and your way everyday. Help me to do that today. In Jesus name Amen.
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