Making a difference by giving of ourselves

A friend of mine recently told me an ancient story about a rabbi who was good and faithful – and had found special favor with God. God approached the rabbi and asked the holy man what God could do for him. After offering his gratitude, the rabbi answered – with characteristic humility, “Help me make a difference in the world.”

God found it easy to grant the request, as the rabbi was already doing much to heal the world’s wounds and deepen people’s faith.

The rabbi walked on further, and called God back again. “I have another request,” the rabbi entreated. “Help me make a difference, but in such a way that no one knows that it was me who made the difference.” Again, God found it to be an easy request to grant.

The rabbi walked on a bit further, and called God back yet again. “Help me make a difference, but in such a way that I don’t know that I have made a difference.”

Again, God granted the rabbi’s demanding, yet humble, request.

I am comforted – and challenged, by this story. Comforted because we have already won God’s favor. Easter demonstrates that. The new life given to Jesus in the Resurrection is new life for us as well. We don’t have to earn it; it is a gift.

I am challenged because so many of us are trapped in the cycle of needing to prove ourselves – to receive the A’s of achievement, approval and award. Our egos reinforce that need. So does our culture. But Easter sets us free from that – and the giving, the difference-making, becomes a matter of trusting God’s grace and favor.

We don’t need to fight for God’s favor. But we do need to practice sharing it. By giving – of self, of treasure, in prayer, in deed – and out of gratitude. We then become extensions of God’s mercy and blessing. And it makes a difference – to ourselves, and to the world.