My daughter is in first grade this year, so we’ve been learning the basics of math. Addition means you are getting more. Subtraction means you’re taking something away, so are left with less. The rules are concrete and constant. Addition always means more; subtraction always means less.
In God’s math equations, though, the traditional rules don’t always apply.
I’ve been thinking about the traditional Lenten observance of sacrifice and discipline. I talked in my last post how I’ve been taking on a discipline for Lent the past few years, rather than giving up something. Yet, as I’ve thought through it, either way, you’re giving up something AND adding something else.
If I decide to fast during Lent – give up chocolates, stop drinking coffee (gasp!), give up meat on Fridays – I’m taking away something I like. Yet, I’m also taking on a new discipline, maybe even getting some other benefits like losing weight. Subtracting, yet adding.
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If I decide to take on a new discipline – observing Sabbath, carving out more time for prayer, digging into a Bible study – I’m adding something new to my schedule or increasing my knowledge, yet also taking something away, like sleep or TV time, in order to make room for the new discipline. Adding, yet subtracting.
This year, I’m feeling called to take on a focused discipline of prayer (adding), yet also called to focus on praying for others instead of my own needs (subtracting). It seems a lot to ask – to both add and subtract in some significant ways. It might be a burden if the math rules applied, effectively netting these activities to zero. However, in God’s equation, I know the result will be multiplied.
Somehow God can make A – B = A * B * X
I know if I’m obedient to this call and faithfully add and subtract, God will amplify (multiple) my faith. I’ll grow in ways I can’t imagine now. I’ll find this process of adding and subtracting to not be a burden, but instead a blessing.
New habits minus sacrifice equals faith multiplied.
So, what math is God working in your life?
Will you follow when God asks you to add and subtract, opening yourself to the possibility that the result will be multiplied faith?
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Lindsey says
Whoa! That’s the first math I’ve ever understood 😉
Being Woven says
WOW! I tutor first and second graders now after retirement from education. As I began reading God’s math here, I became overwhelmed, thinking that my tutees’ math just might be simpler…BUT by the time I finished reading, I could plainly see the beauty of God’s math when we sincerely seek His ways. : )
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Kathryn says
I think I may have been helping with too much 1st grade math lately! 🙂 But, this concept just grabbed my heart that the sacrifices God asks of us really aren’t making something less, but growing our faith. Glad you stopped by!
Debbie Jackson says
This is a great comparison! Thanks for sharing it!
betsydecruz says
I love the idea of taking something ON for Lent. Sounds so much more positive. I guess both giving something up or taking something on can be avenues for growth. But this sounds so constructive. Thanks for the idea.
Kathryn says
for me, the thing about Lent is choosing some discipline that will grow you closer to God. This year, He’s calling me to take on a deeper focus on prayer, but praying for others; giving up praying for my own needs. I’m intrigued to see where these next weeks will take me 🙂
lperkowski says
I don’t like math…but I loved this math lesson! 🙂 I’m thankful that God doesn’t abide by the same rules as arithmetic. Wishing you multiplied faith during this season of Lent.
Kathryn says
Maybe too much 1st grade math homework at my house lately, but had fun with this one 🙂 Wishing you a Lent season growing closer to God.