Stay Humble in Service
STAY HUMBLE IN SERVICE
Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus – Amen!
In recent weeks, no one can avoid bombardment of the mid-term political advertising – they are everywhere, across the airwaves. There is no end to the attacks on the rivals, the finger pointing and character assassination are relentless.
In such times, I am reminded of the story Jesus share about two men went to the temple to pray (Luke 18:9-14). One was very arrogant, assuming himself to be superior to ordinary people. The other stood afar off, not even looking up to the heavens and humbly acknowledged his sinfulness. One prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” The other prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
It is clear which of these two models Jesus called us to adopt. He concluded, “This man went home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Being a believer and worshiper of God does not give us the right or authority to judge and call them names, like arrogant man praying the temple. Jesus made it quite clear that there is no room for self-praise, complacency or finger pointing, but instead, humble submission to the will of God.
So, I encourage you in this season of change to come – come before God, pour out your heart, then go out into the world in humble service to the neighbors we have from God. Amen!
In recent weeks, no one can avoid bombardment of the mid-term political advertising – they are everywhere, across the airwaves. There is no end to the attacks on the rivals, the finger pointing and character assassination are relentless.
In such times, I am reminded of the story Jesus share about two men went to the temple to pray (Luke 18:9-14). One was very arrogant, assuming himself to be superior to ordinary people. The other stood afar off, not even looking up to the heavens and humbly acknowledged his sinfulness. One prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” The other prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
It is clear which of these two models Jesus called us to adopt. He concluded, “This man went home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Being a believer and worshiper of God does not give us the right or authority to judge and call them names, like arrogant man praying the temple. Jesus made it quite clear that there is no room for self-praise, complacency or finger pointing, but instead, humble submission to the will of God.
So, I encourage you in this season of change to come – come before God, pour out your heart, then go out into the world in humble service to the neighbors we have from God. Amen!
The Rev. Romeo K. Dabee
JFK Airport Community Minister
JFK Airport Community Minister
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