[This is my second post of two in my “Vintage Wednesday” series on “Gelassenheit” re-written/updated from a blogpost back in June of 2011.]

Last week I introduced the term, “Gelassenheit”—a German term that embodies much of the Amish culture. Literally meaning "leaving behind and to let/allow," it captures the notions of humility, serenity, submission, and self-abandonment. 

Unfortunately, these concepts also have a downside. While the Amish abhor all individuality, selfishness and pride, some can also tend to downplay their potential. In other words, maximizing their God-given gifts and abilities or embracing a specific calling from God may be seen as prideful. Hence, many in this tradition have “buried” their talents instead of multiplying them (see Jesus’ parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 or Luke 19:12-27).

As pointed out in Part 1 of this series, Congressman Stutzman clearly opted to maximize his abilities and opportunities. He believed that his call revolved around influencing government policy toward positive ends. He made a difference at one of the highest levels in our country. And he did it with humility. 

Congressman Stutzman realized that the “Most High is over the kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.” (see Daniel 4:17, 25, 32 & 5:21) He realized that his position provided an opportunity to serve others and bring glory to God.

We all have a responsibility to respond to God’s call on our lives. We all will give an account of how we utilized our God-given gifts, skills, and opportunities. Whatever world you’re in—education, homemaking, medicine, agriculture, business, science, politics, etc.—you are called to maximize your talents and bring honor and glory to God in that sphere.

Yes, there is always a danger of becoming prideful of our talents or arrogant in our calling; something the Amish have endeavored to avoid. Someone once told me that arrogance is only perceived in others; we can’t see it in ourselves. I believe that if our motive is to bring glory to God by serving others we will fulfill our calling in the proper spirit of humility.

So serve in the true spirit of gelassenheit. Yield yourself to the will of God. Discover your gifts and abilities and use them to impact your world every time an opportunity presents itself. Don’t buy into a false humility or take gelassenheit to such an extreme that you bury your talents on the backside of your community.