My friend, may I ask you a question? What’s the secret to really being happy? Is it always being sure to be free to be nothing? When we recognize that nothing we are can ever appease God’s demand that we be holy, we’re free to be what we are–nothing?
My friend, life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day. I’m M. Clifford Brunner.
With all the recent high school and college commencements there was a theme it seems that rang true through each; “What do you want out of life?” The theme seems to fit because we’re looking at young men and women poised to enter the nation’s work force; each one aspiring to greatness of one degree or another. What struck me, however, is the latent message behind the theme. “Now it’s my turn to get my piece of the pie!” It’s that inherent message that everyone has a right to be successful. Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in these many decades it’s this: there aren’t as many pieces of pie out there to be had. And, when you find one, rights have nothing to do with whether or not you end up getting one.
It’s similar when we look to God to reward us for what we believe we deserve based on our own merit.
Here’s a story: When Roy DeLamotte was chaplain at Paine College in Georgia he was well-known for a particular sermon that stands out about all others he ever preached at the college. What made this sermon so interesting? In this particular instance it was the shortest sermon in the college’s history with, perhaps, the longest topic sentence. The title of DeLamotte’s sermon was: “What does Christ Answer When We Ask, ‘Lord, What’s in Religion for Me?’” The complete content of his sermon was one word: “Nothing.” With that said he proclaimed “Amen.” He later explained that the one- word sermon was meant for people brought up on the ‘gimme-gimme’ gospel; those folks who only see dollar signs, perks or other material advantages to being a Christian. When asked how long it took him to prepare the message, he said, “Twenty years; and it couldn’t have come a day too soon.” (Resources, 1990)
What’s the secret to really being happy in life? The secret is this: Always be sure to be free to be nothing. When we recognize that nothing we are or do can ever appease God’s demand that we be holy, we’re free to be what we are–nothing. And, when we’re nothing, we’re free to be available to God to use us for anything. So, what do you want out of life? Try seeking “nothing” other than what God is willing to give you. If it’s happiness you’re looking for, His “nothing” is the best way to find that “piece of the pie” He has for you; just as long as you’re willing to do nothing to be something.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matt 6:34)
We pray. Heavenly Father, we seek many things in life: material things, emotional things, relationship things. We are always searching for something in order to fill the void that is created by nothing. We know those nothing spaces need to be filled. You created us to be somethings, not nothings. Yet, forgive us Lord for overlooking the one thing that easily fills all those voids; something that costs nothing, other than our commitment, You. Help us Father to fill our lives with Your Word, so that in our nothingness, we will be filled with the incredible something of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
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<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.