When we are asked to do something challenging, especially something whose results depend on factors beyond our control, we may back off, saying, “It’s not up to me.” 

Actually, if we think deeply about it, very little is solely up to us. Even a seemingly simple task such as reading this article involves the favorable working of many things that are beyond our control: the Internet, the laptop, our eyes. Because such things work out favorably most of the time, we don’t even notice their role; we imagine that it’s up to us. 

Amid difficult-looking tasks, however, we notice the many things that aren’t up to us. Pertinently, the Bhagavad-gita (13.23) assures that all the factors not in our control are ultimately under God’s control; he is the overseer and permitter in everything that happens. We are parts of God, Krishna (15.07). In the overall scheme of things, we are meant to play the part of the part, to do wholeheartedly whatever is in our control. The question that will define our life’s trajectory is not whether it’s up to us — whether results are in our control. The question is whether we are up to it — whether we are ready to do our best, no matter how things appear to be. 

If we are up to it, then things that are not up to us may well work out favorably by divine grace. The Bhagavad-gita (11.33) urges Arjuna to become an instrument in serving a higher cause, assuring that obstacles will be removed by Krishna’s arrangement. 

When faced with challenges, if we choose to be up to it, firmly doing our part, our consciousness will rise toward inner fulfillment, whether outer achievement manifests or not.  

Think it over:

  • When we think that it’s up to us, how are we mistaken?
  • What question defines our life’s trajectory? Why?
  • When we choose to be up to it, what happens?

***

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 Savyasaci, can be but an instrument in the fight.

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