The name of this blog is, Look to God and Live… Joyfully. Every week I have endeavored to write on various topics that I believe can help us find joy as we do those little things that draw us, and others, closer to God. This week, on the heels of watching ten hours of my faith’s semiannual conference, I feel even more convinced that looking to God is the best path to living joyfully.
The poet Alexander Pope wrote, in his profound work Essay on Man, “Honor and shame from no condition rise; Act well your part, there all your honor lies.”
What, exactly, is our part? I was once in a theater production where I played an illiterate cleaning woman. It was a difficult challenge as I worked to learn a dialect and style so completely different from my own. Playing an ingenue was easy. This role, however, stretched me far beyond my comfort level. It ended up being a great experience, and one where I learned a lot. It was a role that was short-lived, but rewarding.
Most of our roles, however, aren’t as transitory as ones for the stage. We have multiple roles throughout our lives, some of which even overlap. There is one role, however, that should encompass all of the others, and one that can provide the greatest joy. That is the role of disciple of Jesus Christ.
If the Christian’s primary role is to be a disciple, then how can we best act well our part within that role?
I believe that the primary way we show our discipleship is in the love that we share one to another: the charity we show, the kindness we bestow, the service that we give. Acting well our part means that we reach out to bless everyone around – no matter their race, orientation, political beliefs, commonality with ourselves, or any other criteria. We keep our eyes open to the needs around us and seek to help where we can. Often that help is tangible: a meal, a ride to an appointment, helping monetarily, helping someone with tasks they can’t do, and more. More frequently, however, we bless others simply by a kindly word or a smile of support.
The other day I got a text from a friend asking what she could do to serve a mutual friend who is going through some major trials. I gave some thoughts, all of which were in the less tangible category, and I have absolutely no doubt but that this woman followed through with her impulse to serve a neighbor in need.
A week ago I conquered a major fear and played my very first piano solo in church. I was terrified. Afterwards, and while I was still shaking with the aftermath of fear, I had some friends text me with immediate positive feedback. It was so needed. Later, another woman stopped me in the halls to thank me for the way I lead the music every Sunday. It was a much-needed boost of encouragement and support.
I have a neighbor who, despite his own health challenges, clears my walk every snowy day, surreptitiously weeds my yard and trims my bushes, and takes in my trash cans every Monday. He does this for several people in the neighborhood and blesses us all with his ever-present love and support. He is the quintessential example of a disciple of Christ.
Another way that we show our discipleship and act well our part is in how we communicate with and about others. I was on the phone the other day with someone who has a laundry list of people they struggle with. They are angry with those of other races, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and religions. In addition, there are individuals not fitting those criteria above who have also managed to offend and make the “most hated” list. Talking to this person reminds me of the Kingston Trio’s “Merry Little Minuet” in that they don’t “like anybody very much.” https://youtu.be/MCTdfo6T-u8 Every conversation with them is a painful one.
A disciple of Christ, however, finds joy in people of all stripes. They seek to build bridges, not blow them up. They don’t engage in polarizing conspiracy theories that lead to feelings of hate and anger. They engage and encourage, not belittle and backbite. A disciple loves as Christ loves. God is no respecter of persons, and we shouldn’t be either.
Bitterness and anger can be addictive. Breaking free of contention and enmity might be difficult at first, but the reward of peace is well worth it.
Acting well our part in our discipleship role means walking in the Savior’s footsteps. His entire mission was about blessing the lives of individuals. He healed the sick, mourned with those who mourned, raised the dead, forgave the sinner, and provided salvation to all who would seek Him. As disciples we should be seeking to further His work to similarly raise those around us.
Sometimes it can feel frightening to go outside of ourselves to bless others. It’s hard to stand up to someone who is belittling or bullying (even from afar) another person. Being a voice for the marginalized or struggling can end up with the negative and angry attention focused now on us. It can be hard to reach out to someone in need as our own fears and insecurities can overwhelm us. There are many ways that reaching out can be difficult. But Christ carried His cross to benefit even those who rejected Him, despised Him, and eventually killed Him. If we are to pick up His cross as disciples, then we need to be willing to put aside our own fears and trust that God will bless us as we bless His children. That can be easier said than done, I know.
When I was 18 I got a job working at a department store. I suffered from pretty intense social anxiety. I quickly learned, however, that once I put on my sales associate badge that I could do anything. I wasn’t afraid to talk to customers, assertively solve problems, and be engaged in all ways with those I encountered. With my badge I had a defined role and I knew how to fulfill it. (Disclaimer: saying I knew how to fulfill my role might be a bit strong. There was the time I got the fringe from a nun’s shawl caught in the cash register fan and caused quite a disaster. Or the time I… Anyway, maybe it would be more accurate to just say that I was more comfortable in my role, haha.)
When acting in our role as disciple of Christ we need to put on our figurative badges that help us forget ourselves and then go and serve others. We might, like my story with the fan, not always get the performance right, but the blessings come from trying. Putting on the badge of disciple doesn’t ensure perfection in the role, but it does show the desire to act within that role.
The greatest joys I have ever known have come from when I am looking beyond my own wants and focusing on the needs of those around me. In those moments when I am acting well my part I am filled with a lightness of spirit and a love of mankind that permeates everything I see. It is a fabulous feeling.
Honor and shame from no external conditionlies. Our success in the endeavor of discipleship can only be achieved from a desire to walk the path and the faith that God will lead us. As we do that, and as we act well in the part we have chosen, then we will be able to live lives of everlasting joy.
Look to God and Live... Joyfully! 