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Laying Down

               This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. (I John 3:16)

                No, I’m not suggesting that you should catch a grenade, throw your hand on a blade, jump in front of a train, or do “anything” for your brothers and sisters (with thanks to Bruno Mars). I’m suggesting something far worse. One of my pastors has said that he would do battle with a dragon for his beloved wife, but taking out the trash for her was a challenge. Yes, we are to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, but what if the death involved was of your ego, your control of your time, money, talents, or skills? What if it required giving up your social position, your job, your reputation? What if the “life” you are called to lay down was convenience, or freedom? Or your being required to act as their servant, whoever they are.

                What if giving up your life meant forgiving the other person, repeatedly? Or being seen in public acting as an ally/friend? Or just being seen with them? Or going to jail? There are a lot of ways that we can “give up our lives” or to “die to ourselves” that don’t involve a cemetery plot or urn. Physically dying for someone could be an impulsive action and take mere seconds to perform. What about acting as caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s? What about ending a relationship you treasure because you know it’s not good for the other person?

                Yesterday, I found myself wondering whether I would be willing to take a step down, to effectively seek how far “down” I can go – not morally, but positionally. Part of me whined because it seems to me that I’ve already clomped down quite a few steps into “nonexistence.” I don’t really think God is calling me to become homeless, but what if He did? I know people who have taken others – with terminal illnesses – into their homes. I don’t think I could do that. I haven’t been called to do so since Dad died, but I understand what’s involved, and  I shrink from it. When and if the time comes, God can and will provide the strength we need to accomplish the things He chooses for us. It won’t be easy, but that’s what love can require. 

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