Give It Up

   “Forsake all, and you will find all; relinquish all desire, and you will find rest.”  (Thomas á Kempis “The Imitation of Christ”)

   Giving all to God goes against virtually everything we are taught in our selfish society.  We have effectively reversed the famed slogan of the Three Musketeers, “all for one and one for all”.  Rather our slogan is “all for me, the rest can fend for themselves”.  This attitude creates greed, envy and hatred.  We are no longer thankful for the many blessings of God, but angry that another might appear to have greater blessings.

   If we can indeed forsake all for Christ as He forsake all for us, we will find greater blessings, both earthly and spiritually than we can imagine.  If our only desire is to live in the will of God, following His path for us He will give us peace.  It’s not a great secret, it’s certainly not impossible though it is difficult.  We must learn to live St. Paul’s way of life, “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me;” (Gal 2: 19 – 20).

   God cares for us far more than we could ever care for ourselves.  So much so that He sent His only Son to die in our place to pay the debt for our sins.  He wants to bless us, to give us peace and rest.  It’s our offer of self that allows Him to do so.

We want so much.

So much that is of no importance.

Help us to desire only You.

To give all to You and live in Your will.

Amen