One of the most fundamental precepts in the bible centers on love and service. Christ went so far as to say that the commandment to love God with our whole heart, body and mind was the greatest and most important commandment. He expounded on this great commandment by adding: love your neighbor as you love yourself. Both attest to importance of love and service.
It is written unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor to build it do it in vain. In other words, God has to be at the center of all things because without Him, anything we do will be of no effect. Imagine that the house the Lord desires to build pertains to our family, relationships or our purpose. In that context, it is not difficult to understand why God says that He needs to build it. If we hope to have a sturdy, well-constructed house that will not collapse at the first sign of bad weather, we have to make sure that God is the foundation. If God is not our foundation, we can find ourselves coming up against various things that will eventually tear our homes down.
One of the primary things that can destroy any relationship or family is the thirst for control. Gruhasth-ashrama endorses a strong family life, family centered principles and right action. Everyone wants to be lead but no one wants to follow.
Can you imagine what would happen if our body adopted that same philosophy? Our legs would refuse to cooperate because it deems itself more important than the neck. There would be absolute anarchy and chaos. The need to win via self-glorification and the lust for control will eventually lead to pride which always brings disaster, bitterness and resentment. With control and self-centeredness come division and dissension. No one wants to partner with anyone who does not have their best interest at heart.
When we become flooded with disunity and strife, it inhibits our ability to see the good in others. Instead, we constantly draw attention to their flaws and mistakes. We do not operate in grace or love. We tear down others instead of edifying or encouraging them. When respect is absent, immorality makes an appearance. When immorality is present, commitment and loyalty become things of the past.
When God is not the one responsible to design the course of our dreams or relationships, we set ourselves up for failure. If He is not the force driving our desires or purposes, whatever we attempt to do in our own strength will be useless and in vain.
Love directly correlates with service. When we give of ourselves to help others fulfill their dreams, God helps us fulfill ours. He rewards our sacrifices. The Father wants us to be more concerned about serving others than serving ourselves. Why? He understands that when we serve another person’s dreams, we often end up finding and fulfilling our dreams along the way. It is a win-win situation.
It is written unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor to build it do it in vain. In other words, God has to be at the center of all things because without Him, anything we do will be of no effect. Imagine that the house the Lord desires to build pertains to our family, relationships or our purpose. In that context, it is not difficult to understand why God says that He needs to build it. If we hope to have a sturdy, well-constructed house that will not collapse at the first sign of bad weather, we have to make sure that God is the foundation. If God is not our foundation, we can find ourselves coming up against various things that will eventually tear our homes down.
One of the primary things that can destroy any relationship or family is the thirst for control. Gruhasth-ashrama endorses a strong family life, family centered principles and right action. Everyone wants to be lead but no one wants to follow.
Can you imagine what would happen if our body adopted that same philosophy? Our legs would refuse to cooperate because it deems itself more important than the neck. There would be absolute anarchy and chaos. The need to win via self-glorification and the lust for control will eventually lead to pride which always brings disaster, bitterness and resentment. With control and self-centeredness come division and dissension. No one wants to partner with anyone who does not have their best interest at heart.
When we become flooded with disunity and strife, it inhibits our ability to see the good in others. Instead, we constantly draw attention to their flaws and mistakes. We do not operate in grace or love. We tear down others instead of edifying or encouraging them. When respect is absent, immorality makes an appearance. When immorality is present, commitment and loyalty become things of the past.
When God is not the one responsible to design the course of our dreams or relationships, we set ourselves up for failure. If He is not the force driving our desires or purposes, whatever we attempt to do in our own strength will be useless and in vain.
Love directly correlates with service. When we give of ourselves to help others fulfill their dreams, God helps us fulfill ours. He rewards our sacrifices. The Father wants us to be more concerned about serving others than serving ourselves. Why? He understands that when we serve another person’s dreams, we often end up finding and fulfilling our dreams along the way. It is a win-win situation.
©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment