Sunday, January 11, 2009
Being a Go-Between
Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. Matthew 14:19 (New King James Version)
Many have been the times I have entered a room with expectations. Ever on the search for someone to make me feel loved, accepted, valued, and worth knowing. Hungry for having my emotions, soul, and needs of the heart fed through the words and actions of others. Starving for the attention and approval of individuals I may or may not know. In today’s verse, I would have been part of the multitude waiting to be cared for but God desires more.
Jesus wants to place me in the position He placed His disciples. They were simply distributors of the very things He gave them. I have heard it said that we cannot give away what we don’t first possess for ourselves. However, what we do possess we are called to give away as God opens such doors of opportunity. If I walk with an attitude of love, because I am deeply loved by my Father, it will affect my actions, attitudes, and words. It will free me to shift my focus from being on the receiving end of love to being a distributor of love.
What is it I can distribute to others today? Encouraging words that say the things they need to hear. Acceptance and value for who another person is and who God made them to be. Hugs that let someone know they are not only special but appreciated. A look that says, “I notice you and am glad to see you!” Smiles and expressions that bring sunshine into a room instead of a cloud of despair. Simple reminders about God and truths from His Word that will feed their places of spiritual hunger and thirst. The list is endless and the possibilities are profound.
It is not a “give to get” mindset. Too often that hidden agenda is lurking. Rather, it is being in a position to be to others what God has called me to be while allowing Him to be to me what He desires to be. My Identifier. My Supplier. My Provider. My Sustainer. My Caregiver. My God.
Father, I turn my gaze and my expectations toward You. Help me to live my life differently in a position of service between You and others. What You hand me, help me to give to others. What You tell me, help me to share with others. Make me a blessing just for the sake of You and others. Amen.
Create in Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQVuF84OLag&feature=related
Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!
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