Don't be a clanging cymbal and resounding gong. This is the word for the year 2012 that God has laid in my heart.
I know it's Gods will for us to love others but I also know how daunting this task can be. Almost impossible.
I am conscious about loving and serving others through giving, helping, witnessing, etc. however, I've noticed that i rely on myself, my abilities and resources too much when doing so. And soon my limits are revealed and i cant help but realize that i cant love. I am embarrassed and discouraged. After all that talk, all that promises, and all that waste, has that person been really blessed by my love?
Do they even think that I tried?
It's such a short-lived and ineffective love affair on my side. I feel like I am a hypocrite and failure, noisy cymbal and resounding gong. Everything I tried seem so small and worthless. I feel like I failed them and failed God.
But if that's how this love can be done, it doesn't have to be a Christian thing. Anyone who is naturally patient and understanding and has a higher level of tolerance can do much better job. And if I would fail because of my weaknesses, what's the use of even trying in the first place? Ultimately I would fail to meet anyone's expectation.
However, God reminded me of his truth which strengthened me to continue with my somewhat feeble attempt to love.
Why am I focusing on the big picture and be discouraged and even wanting to give up on what I've been doing with a good intention? I think that is the devils scheme. Devil is trying to make us focus on what we can't do and our imperfect-ness so that we would be pressured and doubt ourselves and ultimately give up.
God is not only lowering the standards for us ("when you provided a cup of water to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me! Matt25), but he even tell us straight up that we can't do it on our own and assures us of his help. (John 15:4, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me."
In loving others, what will keep us going is not our resources or abilities. It is his strength that he promised us and our humble obedience to follow that call regardless of our constant failures and humbling experiences.
Don't give up! Don't be caught up with "hopeless me". Just continue to obey and rely on his strength. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strengths and love others as yourself. This is God's will for our lives.
