Sufficient

How is the LORD more glorified:

(1) God granting a gift or a straight path,
and then me responding with a thanks
(however sincere it may be), or

(2) me not receiving anything brand new,
being satisfied with what Jesus has already done,
and then me responding with everything that I have
(however little it may be)?

In how the question is framed, the favored answer is pretty clear. The point, however, is that maybe God doesn't act (outwardly and obvious at least) as much as we'd like Him to because He's already given us the free will to make choices that are, by definition, not dictated by divine automation or personal circumstance.

Free will to hold on because of hope, let go because of Trust,
hate because it's easy, love even if it hurts*.

Free will to endure, persevere... be teachable.

Free will to be miserable.
Free will to be happy.

Free will to boldly look like a fool or project an untouchable façade.
Free will to speak out, remain silent, whine, complain, shut up, just do it.
Free will to be gentle.

Free will to be disobedient, have my own way.
Free will to do any verb under the sun.

Free will to give action-based thanks.
Free will to give Character-based glory.

Man, we have a lot of freedom!

God has already made His Move--the only thing that matters--and now the ball is in our court. He doesn't need to prove Himself for there is no higher authority. He doesn't need to do anything else for His grace is sufficient (2Corinthians 12:9-10); His character, established. The choices we make may be right, wrong, good or bad, but they are ours to make and we are responsible nonetheless.**

Though frequently subtle, there is a difference between reacting and choosing. Don't let the moment push you around; hit the brakes and throw some consciousness into it. But also, don't always wait around for something to happen before making a move. Use your God-given freedom, man!


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* By hurt, I don't mean abusive.

** A few weeks ago, I was browsing in the book store and picked up Changes That Heal by Henry Cloud. I read a random chapter out of it and the gist of the takeaway is this: (1) boundaries shape a person, and (2) we are responsible for our own actions, emotions, and attitudes. The author illustrates with The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).
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