Friends in Christ Weekly Message
October 28, 2005

     Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.
Matthew 23:11-12 (Message*)

In our culture, people are accustomed to the practice of making oneself seem important in order to get ahead. Self promotion is commonplace. But this is not what Jesus teaches us.

Instead of seeking positions of prominence, Jesus suggests we take on the role of a servant. He urges us to humbly serve others, leading by example rather than self promotion.

Jesus warns us that if we try to build up an image of ourselves, we will get knocked down. It is difficult to maintain an image which is not an accurate picture of ourselves, but it is easy to just be ourselves. We can't be knocked off a pedestal if we don't get on one. And by living authentic lives, our lives will have meaning.

We can profitably meditate on these words of Jesus, using them to examine our lives. Do I humbly serve others rather than seek positions of prominence? Do I avoid trying to project a false image of myself, and simply live authentically?

Bill Samuel

* The Message version ©2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.

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