Life doesn’t simply happen to us. For better or worse, we play an active role in shaping the world around us. And, in short, we get what we ask for – our world produces the fruit of our actions and inactions.
To be sure, there is much outside of our control and we have to contend with many circumstances not of our choosing.
At the same time, God has empowered us with the ability to make things happen. And our influence shapes much of the reality we face in our life and relationships.
It’s easy to blame others when faced with distasteful situations. But we must also consider our contribution to the problem.
For instance, some care more about the opinions of others than of God. And, in the end, they’re left with only the empty and often fleeting flattery of others and not the deep and satisfying soul validation of God.
The despair and emptiness they experience is the result of who they pledge their allegiance to. They get what they ask for.
The same is true when we value making a name for ourselves at work more than investing in relationships. The loneliness that soon comes is the fruit of our neglect and pursuit of other matters. We get what we ask for.
Likewise, we must consider our contribution when we see our communities becoming more corrupt and inhumane, or our media and entertainment becoming more shallow and debased.
What are we saying Yes to that produces this fruit?
We get what we ask for. But there’s freedom here. If we don’t like what we’re getting, we can ask for something better.
Life produces the fruit you plant. You get what you ask for. Ask, seek, and knock for God’s best.
Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash
