We are all familiar with unwarranted requirements and demands made upon us in our businesses, by our families, and in our human relationships. Perhaps we give what we feel is a fair amount of time and effort in these areas, but additional demands are made causing what seems to be an imposition—a burden. Here we must be alert not to be used, not to let a joyous giving and sharing be turned into a burdensome imposition. When this is permitted, the joy is overshadowed by heaviness and depression.
If we are serving God and helping mankind from the motive of love and with joy, then the task is easy and rewarding, and there is no penalty. Let us be sure that the demands we fulfill are just demands. Then with buoyancy and the joy of giving we can go forward to bless and be blessed.
What about the more subtle forms of imposition in our human experience? Are sin and its effects manipulating us? Are we feeling imposed upon by disease? Are age and time crying, "Penalty"? Are we feeling afflicted by a lack of supply or limited opportunity? Let us awake to the fact that these impositions are no more warranted than are unjust demands made by a business associate.
