We focus a lot on Jesus and all that he gives to us. He loves us. He blesses us. He gives us life. He makes our life abundant. He promises us things. Partly because we are essentially selfish, we humans really enjoy thinking about all the things that God gives us. Whole denominations and movements have grown up around a particular theology of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We want stuff. We want more stuff. And when we get it, we want even more!
There is an equally important, but often neglected, part of Christian commitment that calls us to commitment and sacrifice. There is within all of us a part of our personalities that allows for and encourages doing stuff. We are good at serving on committees, doing chores, running errands and completing tasks that will win God's favor. In fact, the Bible speaks to the dangers of doing too much in this regard. We are reminded that we are not saved through our works, but through our faith (Ephesians 2.8-9).
But, there is another category. Often we fail to notice the things that Jesus takes from us. He takes things that will make us completely different.
Jesus...
- Takes our sin. Not only does Jesus take away our sin, he completely cleans us and doesn't remember what it was that we did. When Jesus forgives you and takes away your sin, it is really gone. You are the only one who remembers it. God is not punishing you for sins that he has already forgiven.
- Takes our grief. How great to know that Jesus promised to send us a Comforter and he, the Holy Spirit, will take all our grief from us. Now this does not mean that we will not be sad. Nor does it mean that tragedy and loss will not affect us. It means that when we are suffering with loss, we do not have to suffer alone.
- Takes our hurts. We are used to living in a world that kicks us when we are down. We have grown accustomed to be hurt over and over again. But the good news is that Jesus not only loves you, but he wants to make you feel better. He will take the things that have hurt you- and are hurting you- and make you emotionally well.
- Takes our burdens. There are things that you have been worrying about. You are feeling guilty about something that you have said or done. You are carrying a secret that will be crushing to someone else. And you are the only one who knows or understands. But you are not alone. God is with you. Jesus wants to help carry your burdens and free you from them.
2 comments:
Which is most important...
What Jesus gives, or what we do?
What we do, or what Jesus takes?
What Jesus gives, or what he takes?
What Jesus gives is definitely more important that what we do unless it's our acceptance of what He gives. So I would say that if we don't accept His grace & forgiveness & we don't come to Him with our sins, then what He takes isn't important. But if you're talking about doing "good" things, then what He takes is more important.
If Jesus just took our sins & forgot them that would be good, but without the grace & forgiveness & love that He gives it wouldn't mean so much. Sort of a "which came first, the chicken or the egg" kind of question. You've just got to have both! (BTW, I think the chicken came first because God created the birds & animals, not eggs!)
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