Going All In…It’s a Challenge!

“Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:30-36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I tend to go “all in.”

Relationships, friendships, ministry, work, projects- at times I “jump in” with reckless abandonment. So much so, I act at times without regard to my own heart. Deep down inside I have an unbelievable expectation that everyone responds and acts the same way as I do and will treat me in return the same. The truth is they don’t. As my wise Dad told me in my early 20’s, “Everybody isn’t you.”

I care not to give my real life examples. Trust that I make myself vulnerable by choice in certain situations because I respond when people I care about need assistance or when there are causes that I feel need to be championed. I confess, I’m not always correct or have made the right decisions. I don’t always listen to God, but He knows my personality leans in this direction.

According to scripture this concept is evident, when led we should be challenged to go “all in” with all our relationships and projects – good or bad. It grows us.

As a trait that is common for me, I recognize that “all in” puts me in very vulnerable faith situations. Sometimes it seems I don’t necessarily fair well. People believe they have taken advantage of me or have gotten over. At times, people think they can treat or talk to me in any kind of way. With projects, I have not always been appreciated or acknowledged for all that I have poured into the effort. Matter of fact there have been situations where I’ve been attacked in one way or another- personally and professionally. I attempt to be fully aware of circumstances surrounding me and positions I am led – sometimes by God and I admit, sometimes by me.

Yes, the degree of vulnerability each Believer places themselves is a prayerful task. It should be examined closely. I know scripture says to give without regard, but God also instructs us to guard our hearts. He instructs us to watch as well as pray and to pray without ceasing. In addition there are instances where individuals are clearly and unequivocally trying to take advantage of you or you are up against a Goliath-like foe. If we are careful to listen, God gives us the wisdom not to cast our pearls before the swine less they turn to try to “rend” or as in David’s case with Goliath – He will give you the right tools to handle situations.

I was amazed at the Message Bible’s translation- of the initial passage above from Luke-

“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:27-30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Let those situations bring out the best in you. This is an opportunity to live out the servant life. Live generously is a clear directive.

Although I have a strong dose of this trait, I haven’t mastered it completely. I’m know in every situation in my life I don’t always excel. This passage in the Message Bible goes on to say-

“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:31-36‬ ‭MSG‬‬

This way of living requires a prayerful close relationship and walk with God otherwise there is potential to become a “doormat – that is a person that people think they can take advantage. It requires discernment to know when to guard your heart and when you are being faithfully led to give generously. Praying without ceasing is definitely needed to be aware if God pivots your direction in His next instruction. (A pivot like God gave Abraham when told to sacrifice his son.)

Be challenged to prayerfully “go all in!” Give without looking for the return. Pour into that project even though you may not get a raise or rich. Take your sling shot like David and go up against the Goliath. In the end you won’t regret that you did.

That sounds like a promise…