Imagine If

written by Bob Oakley

Imagine if the Golden Rule could be turned into currency.  In order to earn money, we would have to treat someone else well.  This treatment must not be superficial but genuine.  We could not think to ourselves, ‘I’m hungry and have no money so I’ll wash my neighbor’s car to earn money for dinner.’  This type of activity would be considered serving yourself not someone else.  To actually serve your neighbor, you would have to notice that his car is dirty and think ‘he would enjoy a clean car.’  Then wash it without him even knowing that you did it.  Personal gain would not enter your thoughts because this is a lifestyle.  This is Kingdom thinking.

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” ( Matthew 6:1)

Understanding this concept allows us to be free to create, serve, and work without reservation.  Prospering and advancing take on slightly different definitions, because the goal shifts from climbing the corporate ladder to doing our best in all situations.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”  (Colossians 3:23)

When we understand that everything comes from God and nothing comes from us, then we can work for God.  Our boss does not promote us. God does.

“… For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”  (Romans 13:1)

We do not provide for ourselves. God is our provider.

“Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!” (Luke 12:24)

We do not create our own strength and hope. God gives us strength when we put our hope in Him.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

God created each of us for a specific purpose. When we lose sight of this fact, we also lose sight of God.  Some of us were created to lead, others to serve, others to teach.  Those created to serve will find the most satisfaction with serving.  Our world thinks that we all are equal in our abilities and that everyone wins at everything that they try to do.  While all should serve at times, we all are not servants, and those that were not created to be a servant will have difficulty becoming a great servant, just as much as a servant will have great difficulty becoming a leader.  A leader would be just as much damage to those he should be leading if he decided to serve rather than lead, as a servant would be damaging those he should be serving if he were to attempt to lead them.  Both of these positions are necessary for any organization to work. 

Imagine going to dinner at someone’s house.  The table is set, the food prepared, and the guests all waiting around.  Who is responsible for seating the guests and letting them know that the meal is ready to eat?  Who decides the order that the guests receive their food?  The servants are too busy serving to do this. There must be a leader that takes on this responsibility.  This doesn’t mean that the servant is less than the leader. Both positions are required for the dinner party to be a success.

Each of us has a responsibility, and we should carry out this responsibility the very best that we can.  When we do this, we are fulfilling the greatest command and the second command.

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Matthew 22:37-39)

Imagine if we could all remember God’s promises and act on them at all times.  We would be working to build our treasure in heaven, where it will last for all of eternity.  We wouldn’t worry about tomorrow, because God  told us that we are more valuable than the birds of the air. If He can take care of them, then how much more will He take care of us?

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” (Matthew 6:26) 

We would understand that generosity toward others is returned in greater measure than what we have given. This does not just include treasures, but attitude as well.  The inverse of this is true too: when we withhold something that we should be giving, then we will lose everything that we hope to gain by holding back. 

“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.  The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:24-25)

Many years ago, as I was considering retiring from the Army, the question of “what next?” came to mind.  Up to that point, I’d worked for someone else as an employee, and had first-hand knowledge of how the world ran business, both in the private and the public sectors.  I no longer wanted to be a part of that system. Something different had to come next.  I began to Imagine If.  I’m going to explain the journey God’s been taking me on for the past few years.  I’d like for you to Imagine If with me.

Thoughts?  Questions?  Feel free to comment.  Your input is welcome.  You can also contact me.

If you’re interested in others’ journeys, you can also read about Deb’s Journey.

Click here if you’d like to see Bob’s bio.