FAVORS – “You Owe Me”
In one episode of the popular TV show “The Office,” two coworkers, Dwight and Andy, get into a favor battle. Dwight comes in with bagels and when someone takes one, he smiles and says, “You owe me one.” He’s planning to cash all these favors in, but it all comes crashing down when one of the other characters, Andy, insists on cashing favors in immediately. Every time Dwight gives Andy something, Andy outdoes him, so it becomes a competition.
While this may sound hilarious and ridiculous, it’s actually a great illustration of how we sometimes give- out of obligation. It can be hard for us to receive gifts, but we need to open ourselves to the gift that God has given us through Jesus. From there, His grace will empower our obedience. Our obedience doesn’t empower grace.
This story reminds me of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6, “Give to everyone who asks from you, and from one who takes away your things, don’t ask for them back. Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:30-36
May our hearts be filled with the grace of obedience to our heavenly Father not expecting tit-for-tat reciprocation, Pastor Larry
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