The blessing
Today’s Hawaiian word of the day: Kokua
Kokua is not only and important word, but an important concept in the Hawaiian culture. It is the desire to help, mutual assistance (or pitching in wherever you can), and acts of kindness that don’t require any goodness in return. It is a concept of selflessness, and mutual interdependence. It is very important for the Hawaiian community to thrive and relate generously to one another. It is a word I’ve heard and seen around my work and schools here. I would see a sign that says ‘please Kokua and pick up your trash' or ‘mahalo for your kokua’ ( thank you for your help and consideration). In a way, its like being a blessing to others. Another word, that I hear often, that’s closely related is Kuleana. Kuleana takes it another step further in that it loosely translates to responsibility. The word kuleana refers to a reciprocal relationship between the person who is responsible, and the thing which they are responsible for.
I can not help but reflect on these important concepts this past month as I see the many cries of injustice around the world. These troubled times has caused me to look at my own prejudices and biases. I will confess, I do sometimes carry. When I see the news or social media, I found myself picking sides, getting angry at the opinions and actions of others, and all the mess in this world that can be so discouraging. I had to ask Jesus to remove any bitterness from my own heart. Then I had to stop and think what is my Kuleana as a Christ follower. I was reminded that God calls us to be a light to others. Matthew 5:16. In that way, I can be a blessing to others. I recently learned a little lesson in being a blessing to others.
It is now time for our Sunday school bible lesson!
Let us reflect on this verse:
The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.
-Ecclesiastes 1:18
It is suggested that King Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes which is where that verse above is taken from. The story of King Solomon is one of my favorites in the Bible. This Solomon character in the Bible was very interesting to me when I first read about him. God granted that this son of David become the next king, despite him not being the oldest son. God appeared to him in a dream one night asking what God should give him. Solomon replied saying that God had given his father David great mercy and a son to sit on the throne. He continued by saying that he was “but a little child” and did not know how to proceed as the king of God’s people. He then asked that God would give him and understanding heart to judge God’s people so that he could discern between good and bad.
God was pleased with Solomon’s request. He said that because Solomon had not asked for long life, riches, nor the lives of his enemies, but instead understanding to discern judgement, He would give Solomon a wise and understanding heart. God added that there would be no one like him then or after him. God said that He would also give Solomon great riches and honor. God concluded by saying that if Solomon walked in God’s ways that He would give him a long life.
So Solomon prayed to God for wisdom and he received it. Not only did he receive it, God blessed him with riches. As a little child myself, I thought at the time, I can be happy with wisdom and that’s what I’ll pray for.
For a long time I was the smartest girl in my class, always did well in school. That was my strength. If I prayed for more wisdom, I can be even smarter, winning every argument. I wasn’t the most athletic. My family wasn’t the richest. If I only prayed for this, God will be sure to bless me and I will be truly fulfilled. If I had wisdom, I can be confident and wouldn’t have to worry any more. As I learned later on, I was not always the smartest, still had to work hard in school, failed my first exam in college as a consequence of my own irresponsible choices (all night kegger the night before).
Today I reflect on that verse above. Solomon had all the wisdom AND the riches but still was so sad, increasing knowledge, only increased his sorrow. Then I realized Solomon was talking about worldly wisdom, or wisdom apart from God. There is no fulfillment in that. Our only fulfillment comes from God and biblical wisdom or knowledge. Not only that, we can not know everything ALL the time. In those empty spaces we give the trust to God that He knows what he is doing.
For a long time I placed my identity and worth in my knowledge, but anything apart from God is futile. When I placed my identity in Christ and who I am as his forgiven child, that is all I needed.
When I read and look carefully at the story of King Solomon, I see that God blessed Solomon with wisdom to be the judge and judge fairly. This was so that he would build up his kingdom. God blessed Solomon so he can be a blessing to others! Today, God wants us to use his blessings to build up his kingdom and be a blessing to others around us. As we are a light to others in these dark times, that is a way we can be a blessing. It is not to tear others down. It is not to win a political argument.
Anything apart from God can only bring grief and sorrow. We often forget that the way we live our own lives speaks volumes to people. The way we handle problems and struggles is how we can shine and be a living testimony of Jesus.
I recently had the opportunity to join my church with a few other churches in the area in a community ‘bless the west’ outreach. This comprised a drive thru food distribution, including gas cards reaching out to those in need. My son and I were at the ‘gas card’ station also handing out flyers of with lists of community resources and trying to squeeze in an encouraging word here and there. As the cars passed by, I can see looks of relief and hope from the faces inside. I felt truly blessed to be in the position to bless others. I saw the faces of my own community (might’ve even seen one of my patients) and I suddenly got a deep sense of Kuleana and how important Kokua really is.
For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and keep his commands, decrees and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. -Duet 30:16
Devote myself to God , not self or worldly desires and godly wisdom and righteous ness will begin to grow in my life. I can only serve one master. God has called me to live a life with a wholehearted devotion to Him through good works and obedience. But this life will not be easy and because of Jesus we get access to God. Because we have Jesus we don’t have to be a part from God anymore.
I learned this past month that change in this world really starts with myself. First, I had to ask God to remove any bitterness or fault within me. This is not always easy to admit. Then I receive the blessing that can only come from God and give him all the praise. Then I remember my Kuleana to those around me. And ask God how I can practice Kokua every day.
Mahalo for letting me share,
Hopeful girl, Janette
Sober for 4 years, 11 months and 20 days.
But before I go I must leave you with this….
Hawaiian blessing…
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