Faith in God’s protection means that we are not paralyzed by fear when called to act in His service, even when faced with significant challenges. However, it also means that we don’t act recklessly, expecting God to intervene supernaturally to compensate for our lack of preparation or effort. Faithfulness in God’s protection should inspire a balanced approach, combining trust in Him with responsibility and wholehearted effort on our part.

On the spiritual path, faith must be accompanied by a service attitude. True devotion is demonstrated not only through reliance on God’s protection but also by actively doing what we can to fulfill our duties in His service. Expecting God to do what we can and should do ourselves is not faith but an excuse for recklessness. Faith in God’s protection does not negate the importance of preparation, training, or intelligence. Instead, it requires us to act responsibly and wholeheartedly while trusting God to take care of what is beyond our capacity.

The Bhagavad Gita demonstrates this principle in Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna. In 11.33, Krishna assures Arjuna that his enemies are already defeated by divine arrangement. However, Krishna emphasizes that Arjuna still needs to fight, bringing his skill and effort to the battlefield. Krishna’s words indicate that Arjuna’s expertise and preparedness in archery are divine tools through which Krishna’s plan will be fulfilled. Thus, Arjuna is called to engage with complete dedication, not neglecting his weapons or effort.

Avoiding Extremes: Fearfulness and Recklessness

Two extremes need to be avoided in balancing faith and effort:

  1. Fearfulness: This manifests as a paralyzing hesitation to act, caused by fear of danger or failure. Fearfulness leads to avoidance of necessary service or standing for one’s principles, betraying a lack of trust in God’s protection.
  2. Recklessness: This is characterized by rushing into action without adequate preparation, expecting God to miraculously compensate for our lack of effort. Recklessness can be a sign of misplaced faith, ignoring the divine wisdom in utilizing the resources and abilities God has already provided.

The Acronym NEW

To strike a balance between these extremes, we can use the acronym NEW, which stands for Necessary Purpose, Equipment, and Wholehearted Endeavor:

  1. Necessary Purpose: Evaluate whether the service or action we are considering is essential and timely. Faith does not mean taking unnecessary risks; it means courageously stepping forward when a vital purpose calls.
  2. Equipment: Ensure we are adequately prepared with the necessary resources, training, and composure. This includes not only physical tools but also mental readiness and strategic intelligence.
  3. Wholehearted Endeavor: Commit ourselves fully, investing our energy and emotions into the endeavor. Wholeheartedness includes readiness to sacrifice comfort or even things dear to us if required for the service of God.

Arjuna’s Example in the Mahabharata War

Arjuna exemplified the balance outlined in the NEW framework:

Necessary Purpose: Before the war, Arjuna and the Pandavas deliberated extensively, exploring peaceful resolutions with the Kauravas. Only when all peaceful options failed did they recognize the necessity of the war.

Equipment: Arjuna honed his archery skills through rigorous training under the best teachers, such as Bhishma and Drona. He also acquired celestial weapons through severe austerities.

Wholehearted Endeavor: Arjuna fought with complete dedication, especially on the 14th day of the war when he overcame Herculean challenges to fulfill his vow. Even after personal losses, such as the death of his son Abhimanyu, Arjuna remained unwavering in his purpose.

Faith in God’s protection inspired Arjuna to act responsibly and energetically while trusting Krishna for support beyond his capacities.

Summary:

Faith and service go hand in hand:

True faith in God’s protection does not mean neglecting our responsibilities or being reckless.

It emphasizes doing our part while trusting God to handle what is beyond our control.

Faith is expressed through a service attitude, focusing on what we can do for God rather than what He should do for us.

Balancing fearlessness and responsibility:

Avoid the extremes of fearfulness, which paralyzes us, and recklessness, which disregards preparation.

Use the acronym NEW (Necessary Purpose, Equipment, Wholehearted Endeavor) to ensure balanced action:

Evaluate whether the purpose is vital and timely.

Equip yourself adequately with resources, training, and composure.

Engage wholeheartedly, ready to make sacrifices if necessary.

Arjuna’s example of faithful action:

Arjuna deliberated on the necessity of the war, equipped himself thoroughly, and fought with wholehearted dedication.

His faith in Krishna did not mean neglecting preparation or effort but acting with responsibility and reliance on divine support.

His willingness to sacrifice personal comforts and even endure personal losses exemplified his devotion and faith.

Think it over:

  • Why might faithfulness in God’s protection lead to an imbalance in our practice of devotion?
  • Reflect on instances when you have leaned toward fearfulness or recklessness in serving God. What were the consequences?
  • How can the acronym NEW guide you in a current or upcoming challenge where you wish to serve with faith? Elaborate on how it applies to the specific situation.

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11.33 Therefore get up. Prepare to fight and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasācī, can be but an instrument in the fight.