Day 21: Give it all you can!

Having a half-hearted attitude towards anything and anyone in life can be one of the most offensive things we could do. It communicates to those around us that we either do not care, or that they are second priority. We are all guilty of having done this, especially for things we just don’t want to do. Whether it is with our homework, or with our house chores. The results of such an attitude towards even a task for one’s own well being always leads to destructive results. Things that ought to be done right are neglected. Our dishes are not cleaned properly, as a result our families eat from dirty dishes. We fail to work on our school projects well, so we ruin our grades. We neglect to count the numbers properly, and the company you work for loses thousands of dollars. The results of half-heartedness are never positive. It is especially more harmful when we carry such an attitude with those whom we ought to serve and show the light of Christ with.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Romans 12

Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (v.10-12)

The heart of the Christian calls on us to be radical in our attitude. Not in negativity and judgement, but precisely in the opposite. With zeal and with endless love. We are called to give the best we can do to the people in whom we’ve been lead to serve, and to what we have been given opportunity to do. This is not a feeling, but a choice and action. No matter how hard the task, or how difficult the person we are serving, we are called by Christ to do it in love. Do not fret when people throw insults or offend you when you serve the Lord in such a manner. A true act of love that is consistent and persistent not only attracts, but is the most undeniable evidence of God. Anger, frustration, hostility and half-heartedness are what convince those who do not believe to doubt.

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (v.20-21)

Thus today, and everyday that we live, give all that you can with a heart of love and zeal for God and for those around you. When times become discouraging, cling to God and his promises for you and be encouraged by his immense love and mercy on your life.