Life is not always fair and equitable. And sometimes more is simply required of us in a particular area. Holding back only robs us of the life we desire and we must learn to go the distance to conceive the good we hope to bring into the world.
We can see this in the distance it takes for the sperm to travel to meet the egg. Even after the long winding path out of the male’s system, the sperm must still take the difficult path through the female’s system to reach the egg.
Of course, the egg has its part to play in conceiving new life. But it’s clear the burden is on the sperm to go the distance for conception to take place.
We can see this in the incarnation of Christ as well. He humbled himself and became flesh and blood to meet us where we were.
Again, we have our part to play in responding to him. But it’s still clear he went the distance to give us life.
And this pattern plays out throughout our life and relationships.
Perhaps this is easiest to see with our kids. We do whatever it takes to provide for them without requiring them to carry the same load as ourselves.
But this is often needed in marriage as well. We might have to go the distance regularly – moving toward our wife to make amends or even simply to keep us moving toward God’s best.
Likewise, there are many times in which we must enter the world of others to see things from their point of view to bring about the unity we both desire.
In the end, going the distance is not about fairness. It’s about being faithful to follow the example God has shown us. And many times, more is simply required of us to bring life.
Don’t hold back when it seems more is required of you than the other. Follow the example of Christ, and the patterns he has given us, to go the distance and bring the good.
Photo by Isaac Wendland on Unsplash
