The Most Irrational Thing of All

I had an interesting conversation the other day which is still stirring in my soul. I was talking to a co-worker and friend of mine (name starts with a 'D' and ends with an 'anny') who was in the process of reflecting on his upcoming sermon and he described a scenario I had never really considered before....

Think for a moment about the world's oceans. Although they make up 97.5% of the earth's water, they are not at all limitless. The ocean -- once thought to be the container of an unending supply of fish and provisionary wildlife -- is quickly being depleting in multiple parts of the world. There are parts of the ocean so over-fished that the countries which depend on the fruit of the sea to survive are finding themselves in shortage. Why is this? The shortage, created by greed, is perpetuated by greed. One country decided that it wanted to have a corner on the fish market and started hoarding. Another country took notice and followed suit for fear of being left behind or 'out-fished'. The pattern continued until everyone has literally bitten off more than they could chew. Now, all are paying the price. 

When I think of what pride and greed can do on a global scale -- all in the name of 'being #1' -- I am convinced that self-interest is the most irrational thing of all. The world makes it seem as if everyone must look out for #1 because no one else will -- but this is the lie that is killing us. In preserving our lives, keeping them for our own good, we are essentially losing them. 

I certainly see this principle at work in my own life.... putting myself first has not only proven to be fruitless and painful, but I am robbing others of being able to serve and worship God by putting others before themselves. This is not a small deal... to perform this act of robbery is sin! In self-interest, we trump God's glory as it is expressed in the humble service of others. 

It may seem as if this kind of self-abandonment is irrational -- who will care for you if not yourself? Who knows how to better care for you? But the solution is always available and always clear... give yourself away. Give yourself to the Lord and to others and you will be kept. I am thankful that this call is not only irrevocable, but unavoidable. I am thankful that letting go of control of our lives will surely preserve them forever. This is the most rational thing.