Transformational Thought
As I was driving through our quaint little borough, I was admiring the beauty of the pure white snow. Many people were hard at work clearing tree branches that had broken off during the storm, and most people were shoveling their own walks and driveways and helping each other with snow blowers and good old fashioned manpower.
Watching this reminded me of the old rule I learned as a kid from my grandfather about mowing the lawn, the 60/60 rule. You might know it by a different name, but it goes something like this. When doing some work next to a property line, don’t just work up to the property line, work past the line and do some of your neighbor’s property. Another application would be that when you are working with someone on a project, don’t just complete 50% each, but try to do 60% each. When both parties have this mentality, the job or project is more enjoyable, and the relationship flourishes.
You see, while 60/60 has many advantages, our natural tendency is to do only our own portion, to stop at 50/50. Some people only do 40% and hope the other person doesn’t recognize the line and will just do all the rest. If you operate under the 50/50 rule in which “you do your part and I do mine,” many things will fall between the cracks. When people shoot for the 50% mark they may cut a few corners and unintentionally fall short … or purposely act a little stingy. But when I do 60%, I am ensuring an overlap so that nothing falls through the crack. If we both do 60%, we can guarantee nothing ever falls through the crack. It is also enjoyable to help someone, especially when you know he is willing to help you as well.
How thankful we should be that God doesn’t just give 50% or even 60%. He gave 100% for our salvation. And He continues giving and forgiving 100% … over and over … extending even more to us while accepting the small percentage that we offer back.
I never see the Bible say, “Well, just meet others half way.” In fact, Jesus says we are to die to ourselves. That sounds like we need to be “in” 100%.
Today, think about the difference it would make in your life if you and those around you followed the 60/60 rule. Go ahead! Go a little farther today and give 60% instead of 50%, and see what happens. Think about doing 60% instead of your half of the work … paying 60% of the dinner check … accepting 60% of the blame for that fractured relationship. Whatever your “fair” share may be, add on a little more. Go above and beyond. Now, how about giving back to God? Can you give more in gratitude for the 100% He sacrificed for you? Whether you give 60% plus extra compassion or you give 45-50% and take shortcuts is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit, Father, that I am often guilty of not doing my fair share, not taking my fair share of the blame … and letting things “fall through the cracks.” I pray, Lord, that you will fill me with Your Spirit so that I have the strength and mindset to do more than my “fair share.” Help me know I can give because You always fill me when I run low, providing for my every need. I pray this in the name of the One who always gave His 100%, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:44-47
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Luke 10:33-35
