Status - 4 March 2010

When men get together they like to talk – about themselves.  It might be about their prowess at football, the one that got away for fishing fanatics, their successes at university, or their current standing / likely promotion with the company they work for. When others are talking they long to add their piece to the conversation, after all it’s so important.

Sometimes it’s simply a matter of bragging – “look at me, aren’t I good, simply the best”.  Although it’s being competitive, because we naturally are, often it’s more a case of “can we be friends, I’d like to be part of the group.”

Throughout life we are being judged by others who will decide which of us is best in any particular situation.  Who will be the one for this position?  Who should play the lead part in this play?  We can’t all be Mastermind 2010 or Heavyweight Champion of the World, or even Prime Minister of (and perhaps you don’t want to be just now!).

But sometimes we put ourselves down unnecessarily, thinking we are not good enough to do something.  You never know till you’ve tried.

Luke tells how the disciples argued about which of them would be the greatest after Jesus.  Jesus placed a child before them. 

“Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest.” Luke 9: 48

Esteem and status can truly only be granted by others, what we believe of ourselves is usually somewhat biased.

Lord, let me see myself as others see me and help me become the person you wish to see. Keep me humble and guard me against vanity. Amen.