WILT THOU REFUSE - by Lisa
Mother Teresa has been the subject of much controversy lately. A book came out recently about her private letters to her spiritual directors. The stir has been about the darkness she experienced for many years during her ministry.
But that's not what I'm writing about. The book is called "Come Be My Light." This title is a phrase that she says Jesus spoke to her when he called her to begin her work with the poor in India. It's a fascinating look into the soul of a person of profound faith.
One of the things that really struck me as I was reading it was that several years before she began the work, she made a solemn vow to Jesus that she would never refuse anything he asked. Apparently this vow was undertaken with serious consequences if she should fail.
It took a few years for her to set up her organization and all during that time she kept hearing an insistent voice saying, "Wilt thou refuse?" No wonder she was so devoted to her mission to the poor. It was part of a promise she had made many years before.
I wonder if I would have the guts to make a vow like that? It sounds so attractive. Giving control of my life to God and only doing what he asks is the ultimate in selflessness. To be a vehicle only for his will and to be totally devoted to him seem like worthy goals.
I would like to do it. But do I have the capacity to totally and utterly remove myself out of God's way and obey him no matter what the personal cost might be? I wonder. I would hope that someday, perhaps even soon, I could make such a vow.
What would it take for you to make a promise like this to God?
Blessings,
Lisa
But that's not what I'm writing about. The book is called "Come Be My Light." This title is a phrase that she says Jesus spoke to her when he called her to begin her work with the poor in India. It's a fascinating look into the soul of a person of profound faith.
One of the things that really struck me as I was reading it was that several years before she began the work, she made a solemn vow to Jesus that she would never refuse anything he asked. Apparently this vow was undertaken with serious consequences if she should fail.
It took a few years for her to set up her organization and all during that time she kept hearing an insistent voice saying, "Wilt thou refuse?" No wonder she was so devoted to her mission to the poor. It was part of a promise she had made many years before.
I wonder if I would have the guts to make a vow like that? It sounds so attractive. Giving control of my life to God and only doing what he asks is the ultimate in selflessness. To be a vehicle only for his will and to be totally devoted to him seem like worthy goals.
I would like to do it. But do I have the capacity to totally and utterly remove myself out of God's way and obey him no matter what the personal cost might be? I wonder. I would hope that someday, perhaps even soon, I could make such a vow.
What would it take for you to make a promise like this to God?
Blessings,
Lisa
That kind of vow would be awesome,just as it was in M. Teresa's case, but that would and will not save you or restore your relationship with God. Most people, including a lot of Christians still don't understand this,,,it's ALL about your faith and trust in Jesus and what He did on that cross that brings you to a salvation or restoration with The God "I AM. His resurrection is the proof of God's acceptance of the sacrifice that He made for us as a propitiation of reconciliation. THEN, your actions or works are a response to that gift of love by responding in love and obedience out of gratitude and thankfulness for His GIFT OF GRACE!!!!
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Hi –
Thanks so much for your comments. I believe that you make a good point about salvation by grace through faith in Christ. For all serious believers, that is already a given. Then the question is - what will we do with our lives? I’m sure you’ll agree that there are many Christians who profess a saving faith, yet their lives are no different that non-believers.
Calvin and I believe that growing in the likeness of Christ is the next step after one receives salvation. That’s why our ministry is called “Living for God.” So I think that putting God ahead of one’s self and letting him do his will through us is an appropriate vow. When we can reflect him to the world, it becomes less about us and more about him. What a beautiful way to live out the gospel.
Blessings,
Lisa Are Wulf
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Also,I know that I will get a lot a flack for this, but I must say it. I grew up Catholic,,parochial school,lil nuns with rulers, alter boy and all. I am no longer "Catholic",but I also lived in India, I knew M.Teresa and her work, I've heard her claims and admissions of lack of faith that she wrote about. From all that, based on what she said, did and what I know,,,,,her faith was misplaced. The church, the bride, the ecclesia will not save you,,,it is the saved, "the called out". Only ones faith in THE CHRIST will restore you to this God "I AM". Adoption thru propitiation is the gospel in a nutshell and I'm sure people will claim I'm judgemental, but I am not, I am loving by telling truth! Hard truths, the same kind that Jesus revealed and the religious people did not like nor did they like Him!! Peace. www.ThisGodIAM.com
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Well Scott, I do have to say I agree with you that faith and not works is what being a Christian is all about, but when you have the opportunity to do unto others and forget about your needs or wants you are helping others to see Christ love. I think most Christian today myself included try to push our beliefs on others. God will convict the person to do what he wants and isn't that what a real Christian is. Asking Jesus to save you from your sins is a gift and he expect nothing from you to earn it. But to give with a Christ like heart is a wonderful thing. Remember Jesus ask one thing from all of us and that was to spread the good news (The Gospel). Isn't that works? God bless.
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Hi Jim -
Thanks for your comment. It was very insightful. I think that showing Christ to others is much better than just telling them about him and trying to convince them. I think St. Francis said something to the effect of "preach the gospel always and when necessary use words." Not a bad way to live.
What do you think?
Lisa
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It depend about how GOD choose you. Mother Theressa has a specific anointing and calling in her life, so it's a great momentum when she knew about her calling combine with her faith.
But first, seek The Kingdom of GOD first, then the rest shall follow (Mat 6:33)
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Hi Sigit -
I sure appreciated your comment. I agree that each of us is called to do certain things in our lives. But I also think that a vow to let Jesus use us however he will is something that each of us can, and perhaps should, do. Are we not his instruments on earth? So part of seeking his kingdom is to ask how he might use us and be willing to do what he asks.
What is your opinion?
Thanks so much for writing.
Lisa
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