4 Levels Of Love

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I’m still musing on “Submission” in light of Jesus’ baptism. No need for baptism there, nevertheless… It was the theme of his most amazing life and ministry. “Not my will,” he said.

Submission does not fit into western culture today. The idea is repelling. Yet everybody does in one way or another. My story about Esti Barak’s daughter’s deployment to Iraq leaving her daughter with Esti is a classic modern example. Submission to military leaders to the point of leaving your baby behind is HUGE! But most people submit to employers, etc. We just don’t like the word. Me neither.

Disliking the word is stumbling block to a kind of greatness that is manifest in Jesus life. Jesus’ life WAS REALLY GREAT in spite of submission and conflict. He really did change the world.

I want to throw the word out and use a more euphemistic term like listening. Listening is good. But it lacks the radical action edge.

See, the discussion about submission takes time away from getting to the meat. Doing what God wants won’t hurt us. God wants the best for our lives, right? You bet! The problem is that we think we know better than God, and perhaps God can’t be trusted, after all God may ask you to do something unpleasant, like quit your job move to Africa where you will be deprived of your dreams and loved one, sort of like the military.

In reality that is not likely. God might ask you to do some outrageous things, but you would be better for it and so would the world.

But what if we just submitted to the little things like truly loving our neighbor, caring for their hurt and pain, sharing our groceries with them, getting them some medical care, helping them find a job, putting up with their idiosyncrasy, digging them a well, buying them a cow or a goat, hugging them… spending time and money on them. Or how about submitting your attitude to see the possible, being positive, seeing the world through loving eyes in stead of judgmental negativity?

Experiment with submission. If God where to ask you to do one thing, just one thing today that did not involve leaving your child behind and moving to a war torn part of the world, what would it be? I’d like to know.

I love you-Bryan

It is the first Monday of the New Year. What shall you do? Here’s my list; borrow freely.

First, I believe just being alive is a special gift for which I am thankful.

Second, I believe that I can make a difference and, more than that, it is my personal responsibility to make a difference at least is some little way, and, I chose to do so.

Third, I will focus on what can be done, and move forward in a step wise process.

Fourth, I will stick to my schedule and not be distracted from my scheduled tasks. In other words I will have a disciplined approach to my day.

Fifth, I will give back. I have been given much and I have the duty, honor and privilege to give back in some significant and meaningful way, money or love, things or actions I will give back today.

Sixth, I will love and allow myself to be love. Love is the energy that drive all good things and I will perpetuate the spin of it.

Seventh, I will be action oriented and I will be reflective, too. I will remember the good, be thankful and plan for the best.

This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Would you like to add to my list?

I love you- Bryan Martin

Love your neighbor