A Monk and A Sailor

 

Every day, a sailor used to take a monk from one side of the river to the other and would take no payment in return. On their way, the monk would talk about his knowledge, sometimes telling him about the omnipresence of God, other times reciting portions of scripture to him. The sailor, not being well educated, would listen with great attention and remember the words by heart.

One day after crossing the river, the monk invited the sailor to his hut. He gave him some money and said, “Earlier in my life, I was a businessman. I earned a lot of money but I was not able to save my family from a disaster. This money is of no use to me now, you take it. You and your family will have a better life and be able to live comfortably for a long time to come.

The sailor refused to take the money, saying “I cannot take this money. Free money will spoil my behavior as soon as it enters my house. No one will work hard and lazy life will increase greed and sin.” These are lessons that the sailor had learned from the teachings of the monk on their daily river crossing. The sailor went on to say “Besides, why should I worry when I know I am in God’s sight? I know I should just do my work and leave the rest to him.”

We are living in the Information Age and free information is the most common currency of the age. A lot of what’s free is mainly entertainment, but if you know where to look, there is a lot of free, really useful information. From tutorials to recipes, and patterns to step-by-step instructional videos, it is all there and mostly free.

The sailor was right, free money can create laziness and entitlement leading to a life of greed and sin. Free information can also be abused or just used as entertainment. It all comes down to the recipient and their attitude. Do you just enjoy marveling at what others have done or are you actively learning as they teach and putting the lessons to use and profit in your life?

I am grateful for free books, especially audio-books, listened to while working on something else. I get to increase my reading count, save time, practice my listening skills and increase my knowledge, all in one stroke. I am grateful for the free recipes that have made me the family baker and enriched our birthday celebrations that much more. I am grateful for free patterns that have given vent to my creativity and been the doorway to blessings I would otherwise not have received. I am grateful that I can write and put out my thoughts on a free platform – because when I see the comments and get the feedback of my readers, I realize that a greater power speaks through me to someone on any given Friday.  I am humbled.

So like the monk, are you hoarding something you no longer need in the guise of finding the right person to give it to? Release it, giving is a test for your heart. The receiver will have to answer for their actions and that has nothing to do with you.

Do you have access to a free resource? Are you making good use of it? Are you being grateful for it? To whom much is given, much will be expected.

The monk had taught the sailor that God was omnipresent. Indeed, He is. He sees you, your efforts, and your attitude and motives. He will take care of you just like He cares for the birds and animals. Just do your work and leave the rest to Him.

“Only the disciplined ones in life are free. If you are undisciplined, you are a slave to your moods and your passions.” ~ Eliud Kipchoge

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