Stepping Stones: The 60/60 Rule

Transformational Thought

Yes, that big snowstorm did hit, well 6-9 inches here, so the weathermen get some extra grace. In the midst of shoveling snow though, I learned a great lesson about relationships.

I’m new to this neighborhood, and had the opportunity to meet my next door neighbor while we were both shoveling snow. He was a bit ahead of me…I was still on my driveway while he was shoveling the public sidewalk that ran in front of our houses. As he shoveled his way toward me, I noticed that he went well beyond his property line; he shoveled about 20 feet of my sidewalk. I thanked him, and then he told me about the 60/60 rule.

He said he learned it some time ago and it goes like this. If you operate under the 50/50 rule, meaning, you do your part and I’ll do mine, don’t do any more than you have to, many things fall between the cracks. That when people shoot for the 50% mark they may cut a few corners and unintentionally fall short…or purposely act a little stingy. He said, “When I do 60%, I am ensuring an overlap so that nothing falls through the crack. If we both do 60%, we can guarantee nothing falls through the crack.”

How thankful we should be that God doesn’t just do 50% or even 60%. He gave 100% for our salvation, and then continues forgiving…over and over…extending more and accepting the small percentage that we offer back.

I never see the Bible say, “Well, just meet them half way.” In fact, Jesus says we are to die to ourselves. That sounds like we need to be in 100%.

Today, think about the difference it would make in your life if you and those around you followed the 60/60 rule. Go ahead, give 60% today, and see what happens. Think about doing 60% instead of your half of the work…paying 60% of the dinner check…accepting 60% of the blame for that fractured relationship. Now, how about with God? Can you give more in gratitude for the 100% He sacrificed for you? Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I admit, Father, that I am guilty of not always doing my fair share, taking my fair share of the blame…of letting things “fall through the cracks.” I pray, Lord, that you will fill me with Your Spirit so that I have the strength and mindset to always do more than my fair share. I pray this in the name of the one who gave His all, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:44-47

But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.'
Luke 10:33-35