Conventional Wisdom part 3
I guess I could have called this Rant series, "Foolish Love." But without any context that title could be taken negatively. As if to say you made a mistake with your love. And I don't think love is ever a mistake. I think sometimes we make mistakes when it comes to relationships--especially romantic relationships--when we have unrealistic expectations of people. But in those cases what we think of as "love" usually isn't. Because in those cases it seems like we are looking to get something. And love is never about getting. Because love IS giving. Giving everything you have and everything you are. And that, to me, is what flies in the face of conventional wisdom. Because the world would have you believe that the key to success is getting as much as you can while giving as little as possible. But look at our memory verse for today: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). In other words, live foolishly. LOVE foolishly. And I'm not saying you should squander what you have. We are to be good stewards, right? But I've always thought there was a big difference between "wasting" and using. I don't like to waste money (let's be honest, I really don't have enough to waste) but I'm not afraid to spend money. If its something someone needs, or wants, or will use, I'll get it for them. To me that's not a waste. Its like the saying, "If you enjoyed it, was it really wasted time?" So, again, I'm not saying you should waste what you've got. But I am saying you shouldn't be afraid to give it away. Its the difference between you having stuff, and stuff having you. And this phrase "be careful for nothing" doesn't mean you should act like a bull in a China shop. I tell Logan almost every day to be careful with his iPad. Because I don't want him to break it. In other translations, Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious" or "don't worry." To me it goes along with 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." Its the idea that you trust God. Trust love. Trust your gut. Let your heart lead the way. Even if it seems foolish. Don't worry about it. Cast your cares upon the Lord. Know that your heavenly Father has your back. He helps us up when we fall, and He can even keep us from falling. If God (LOVE) is holding you up, what could possibly knock you down? But, again, that goes against conventional wisdom. "Be careful. Don't do that. Be smart. Be safe. Don't take any chances." That's the safe route, right? But I'm telling you... if you never go out on a limb, you'll never get any fruit. And when you realize that you ARE the limb, or the brach, that bears the fruit... you'll understand that going OUT on a limb is really going INSIDE. Giving what you've got. Fearlessly. Recklessly. Without a care in the world. Foolishly. Flying in the face of the safe route and experiencing an abundant, everlasting, eternal, Resurrection Life of love!