Willingness (i) | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Willingness (i) | Previous Challenge Entry
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02/24/05
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By His will, God created man. By His will, man was banished and the same Holy Will redeems us by the mighty Cross. This is divine will, which we will return to shortly. But what of the human will? Do we possess our Will like we possess our limbs? Or, as according to some humanists, it is our Will that possesses us?

Mind boggling questions indeed but firstly, let’s play around with its syntax in English. We appreciate the word ‘Willingness’ being a ‘ness’ and not an ‘ability’ such as ‘Availability’ or ‘Flexibility, etc... This demonstrates that Willingness is not something we can exercise by cognition but it is an attribute. It cannot be refined by practice. It cannot be removed by mutation. However, it can be realized.

If someone were asked to depict Willingness in a graphical way, one might draw a picture of a young, strong man, probably under a heavy load on his back. His is a face of iron determination, with no signs of fatigue - the image of someone intending to conquer the world.

Let’s reflect on God’s Word for the meaning of this fundamental trait and see if it draws a similar picture. A good servant is one who projects willingness in his master’s service. A servant, no matter how competent, is not well-liked if his work is done with reluctance and without willingness.

In our Christian walk, there are times when we reckon with our Will, and find it to be uncooperative, for man’s will constantly struggles against the Spirit. Paul captured this:

“…for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do…For I delight in the law of God…But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin…” Romans 7:19-24 KJV

The ‘law’ that Paul refers to has an enforcing officer. And his name is Will. We sin because we first willed to sin. He who does not acknowledge personal responsibility for his own mistakes truly underestimates his own will. Many a great corporate figures and athletes have attributed their success to a focused will to succeed in the first place. We, by our own will, can choose either light or darkness. We ‘will’ to love or hate.

Indeed, the human will is a gift from God so special, that even the angels do not have it. For as much as we yearn to do good, our will is inherently evil. After all, it was the willingness of Adam to disobey God that led to his fall.

Now, just before we recoil in horror at our ‘unyielding willingness’, let’s examine the positive possibilities it can achieve should it be brought under God’s control.

For a Christian, Willingness rings hollow without giving. After all, it is ridiculous to say we are willing without wanting to give away something. We can however, give unwillingly. A willing gift is a gift that is sincere. It does not withhold itself not does it expect returns. It is warm and spontaneous gesture and seeks to comfort others.

As mentioned, a man can render his services or give something unwillingly. This is often exhibited by the manner of his conduct. Like sand falling through a closed fist, his gifts are pathetic and undesirable. The Lord is displeased with such gifts.

“… neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts...” Malachi 1:10 KJV

Therefore a gift laced with Willingness is of a pouring variety, withholding nothing, just as God pours down His mercies and forgiveness to us.

Lastly, willingness is synonymous with sacrifice. Children of God are challenged by His Word to take actions which might hurt us but benefit others.

This is Christian love, the love of Christ.

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8:2-3 KJV

And on that dark day at Calvary, when the Saviour of the world was hanging on the cross, his creation jeering and cursing Him unto His death, still his heart cry echoes through the ages, ‘I will; be thou clean.’

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