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Post by Liisa Analore on Oct 13, 2009 9:27:30 GMT -5
"All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors." - John Calvin
I'm eager to read your feelings, reactions, and knowledge about this quote. While it reads quite simplictically - I am thinking Calvin had more intent when writing this. Was his point in making this statement to inspire generosity?
Liisa Analore
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Post by revmschnad on Oct 14, 2009 12:59:53 GMT -5
Thanks for starting this discussion!
Inspire generosity? Or, recognize that the blessings I receive originate in God, and therefore cannot ultimately be held as "mine"?
You say "tomayto," I say "tomahto."
The "inspire generosity" language certainly emphasizes our human responsibility to act ( in a culture that runs madly away from it). But to my ears it also puts the accent, the downbeat, on my personal largeness of spirit instead of on God's outrageous, over-the-top provisioning which is given for all.
God may have placed it in my hands, but God gave it for needs beyond my own. It may be in my hands, but it's God's stuff.
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Post by Liisa Analore on Oct 14, 2009 16:24:32 GMT -5
Your reaction is interesting to me, as it allows me to see this quote in a completely different view. My initial response is to centralize and internalize its meaning, and attempt to receive a call of personal action. Certainly when we see examine our "personal" blessings, we are often inflected with a rational explanation as to why we have been blessed. I.e., we studied hard in school, worked long hours, or took care in raising our children. I think for the mind not immersed in a religious background we tend to see it in this light.
But, to recognize that these blessings are not belonging to us - rather to God, actually creates a greater responsiblity to God and his mission, and the care of the "Blessing".
What about the term "deposit"? Literally, we would attack it in a fashion that might suggest it is a fraction of a whole, a starting base, a bridge to other greatness. And Calvin's usage of the word "dispensed" - signifying a withdrawl of the referenced deposit, leads me to the middle fragment which states "committed to our trust on His condition", perhaps that is the growth portion.
Possibly, if we are to be good stewards to the blessings from God, doesn't our own self play a vital role in the growth from the deposit, to the point of dispension?
There is definately a difference between nurturing a blessing, and allowing it to die. Maybe we can nurture these blessings for growth and dispense them to others?
Good conversation...I look forward to hearing others reactions also.
Liisa Analore
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