May 30, 2008 Less of You, More of God

Dear E-pistle subscriber:

In an E-pistle some time ago, I shared with you a thought from Eugene Peterson that helps put things into perspective.

As the program and school year wind down and we begin to look forward to summer, I thought Peterson’s message bears repeating.

Here is the quote, broken up into its individual thoughts so you can take your time with it:

“I want to simplify your lives.

When others are telling you to read more, I want to tell you to read less.

When others are telling you to do more, I want to tell you to do less.

The world does not need more of you; it needs more of God.

Your friends and family do not need more of you, they need more of God.

And you don’t need more of you; you need more of God.

For we do not progress in the Christian life by becoming more competent, more knowledgeable, more virtuous, or more energetic.

We do not advance in the Christian life by acquiring expertise.

Each day, and many times each day, we need more of God.”

(Me again.) Peterson is onto something, don’t you think?

We live in an age, and – especially in North America, Northern Virginia – where we almost always assume that “more” is better.

But – just as more building lights and parking lot lights actually decrease our ability to see the stars at night (and there’s even a name for it: “light pollution”) – more reading, more doing, more expertise, more effort can actually decrease our ability to see God at work in our lives, and in the lives of others.

So – this summer, it’s worth keeping in mind: The world does not need more of you; it needs more of God. Your friends and family do not need more of you, they need more of God. You don’t need more of you; you need more of God.

See you Sunday,

Fr. John