Loving with Abandon
In service, Randy has been doing a sermon series called "30 Days to Live." The essence of the series is the question of how we would live our lives differently if we knew we only had a short time to live. I think it's really been meaningful for many people. Of course, everything in the sermon is something we should be doing all the time, but I think it's true, people live differently when there is some incentive for them to do so.
Last week, the topic was "Love with Abandon." As I though about what it means to love with abandon, it got me thinking about what love really is. Is an act really a loving act if it's done without abandon? Bruxy Cavey says that this is where Jesus' teaching is different than other religious teachers.
Every religion has some teaching similar to the golden rule. Whether it's Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or whatever, there's something there. But Jesus' teaching is unique in this: Every other teach states it in a negative way--"Do not do unto others what you would not have them do to you," implying a sort of, "don't hurt other people" ethic.
But Jesus' teaching goes beyond that "[actively] Do unto others what you would want them to do for you." In other words, it's not good enough, just to leave people alone. Nor is it enough to do just good to people when it's convenient ("I was going to the coffeeshop anyway..."). But loving with abandon means to live your life looking for people to bless. Our eyes should be focused with the vision of Christ for people, seeing them not as obstacles or inconveniences or competition, but valuable people made in God's image (even if they don't always act that way).
I think I'm getting better at this over the years, but I can still be pretty self-absorbed sometimes. Or oftentimes, I see the opportunity, but because of fear of embarrassment or how the other person will react, don't follow through. Loving is active--it's not really the thought that counts; it's the action. Loving with abandon is abandoning myself, my desires and comfort for the sake of others. Only then am I living up to Jesus' high standard for love.
Last week, the topic was "Love with Abandon." As I though about what it means to love with abandon, it got me thinking about what love really is. Is an act really a loving act if it's done without abandon? Bruxy Cavey says that this is where Jesus' teaching is different than other religious teachers.
Every religion has some teaching similar to the golden rule. Whether it's Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or whatever, there's something there. But Jesus' teaching is unique in this: Every other teach states it in a negative way--"Do not do unto others what you would not have them do to you," implying a sort of, "don't hurt other people" ethic.
But Jesus' teaching goes beyond that "[actively] Do unto others what you would want them to do for you." In other words, it's not good enough, just to leave people alone. Nor is it enough to do just good to people when it's convenient ("I was going to the coffeeshop anyway..."). But loving with abandon means to live your life looking for people to bless. Our eyes should be focused with the vision of Christ for people, seeing them not as obstacles or inconveniences or competition, but valuable people made in God's image (even if they don't always act that way).
I think I'm getting better at this over the years, but I can still be pretty self-absorbed sometimes. Or oftentimes, I see the opportunity, but because of fear of embarrassment or how the other person will react, don't follow through. Loving is active--it's not really the thought that counts; it's the action. Loving with abandon is abandoning myself, my desires and comfort for the sake of others. Only then am I living up to Jesus' high standard for love.
Labels: golden rule, love, love with abandon, sermon
posted by Kory at
8:37 AM
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