Paradoxical Commandments (Repost)
This was posted on a blog I daily read called The Livesay Weblog - I discovered it during the Haiti Earthquake days (which are still going on...). They are a family that paint a beautiful picture of the Gospel of Jesus.
This post reminded me of a sermon I was reading last night by George McDonald entitled "The New Name". The message was based on Rev. 2:17 and how the new name given is a picture of unique intimacy & relationship between the Father and each individual person. This is what matters in life - our relationship with Him - everything else flows out of that. Reverse it and we are found in fear, religion and legalism.
Paradoxical Commandments
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
-credited to Mother Teresa
