Proud Cynic.

I have a problem. (And, it's not my obsession with puppies and other cute animals...) You see, I tend to be slightly cynical. I always have my guard up and usually expect people to act in their own interest, which I am fine with, but I am also prideful. Which means that I am not going to let them take advantage of me along the way to achieving their self-pleasing goals (which is acting in my own interest as well, but that is beside the point of today's post.)

A proud cynic. It has a ring to it, right? But there is a word that cannot be used to describe a proud cynic: generous.

I was reading in Matthew 5 today, and came across one of those passages that you have read so many times that once you get to it you are reciting it in your head as you read (yeah, blah, blah, blah, I know.) Thankfully today, I caught myself. Instead, I listened while I read instead of reciting.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
-Matthew 5:38-42

Like I said, I do not want to be taken advantage of. I think it is fairly safe to say that no one does. However, here, Jesus is saying...Kimberly, it is better to give than to question intent. He is saying that regardless if someone is taking advantage of your servanthood, you must give. Who am I anyway to judge whether someone deserves my servanthood? If I do that, it is not servanthood at all. 

I am not saying that we should not be smart with what we do, because we are also called to be good stewards of our lives, family, and everything God has given us. So, we must do what is necessary to take care of ourselves in order to be able to serve to our full capacity. What Jesus is saying though, is simply be generous, live generously. So, that is what I am going to try to do.