Day Eighteen
Proverbs 31:23...Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land...
While looking through the newspaper one day, I read an article about a famous young actress. It was reported that she and her husband had been stopped by the Highway Patrol for speeding. Her response to the officer was, "Do you know who I am?", while adding, "My husband can handle the speed because he is a race car driver." This article lends itself to the self-centered practice which pervades our country; that one's status or popularity brings exclusive privileges, as well as the attitude of being above the 'average' person. The assumption is that problems can be dealt with by means of finesse and manipulation because of position, while being shown special favor.
Several years ago, Paul and I attended a series of Christian meetings. We were excited to go, filled with anticipation of what we were going to hear and experience. People came from all over the United States and different countries to listen to this group speak. However, in actuality, our experience was that of people walking in pride and elitism. We were instructed during the conference to please not approach or talk to anyone who held a ministry position, several using bodyguards as escorts. But we were certainly encouraged to purchase the many books, tapes, cd's and other items that were for sell. And God used this event to open our eyes to the very same notion of popularity that operates in Christian circles. Because what we encountered did not appear to be any different of an attitude than that of the famous young actress in the newspaper article.
This type of behavior is not inclusive to conferences or famous actresses, nor it is anything new. But it is further complicated by our love of entertainment in and out of the church. From the beginning of time, there have been kings and peasants...pharoahs and slaves...leaders and followers...the popular and the ones who run after them. One might say, "This will never change, it is just human nature." BINGO! It is human nature, not the nature of God. And we, as the Church, are to put on and portray His nature, through the Holy Spirit, to be an example of the humility and love of Christ, instead of acting like the ones who rely on their 'human nature' to get their needs met. James 2:1 cautions us...My brethren, pay no servile regard to people [show no prejudice, no partiality]. Do not [attempt to] hold [and] practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ [the Lord] of glory [together with snobbery]. At the moment when our popularity causes us to walk in exclusiveness or the misled notion causes hero worship, we are in danger of delusion.
There is nothing in our lives that should not be lined up with the Word of God and in obedience to His will for us. Oftentimes, even the simplest of issues can be a trap if our focus goes off of Him and on to ourselves or others. For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him...Romans 12:3.
Respect is the act of holding one in high esteem or honor, due attention, or regard. Popular is defined as being favored, approved, or beloved by the people. A revealing look at how God views respect is found in Genesis 4:4...And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering. Wow! God had respect and regard for Abel. What a statement! Yet, it was not because of his position, it was not because of Abel's calling or special giftings, it was because Abel brought his best before God. And He calls us to do the same in our lives. The fruit of that may bring esteem or honor as we see in today's scripture verse in Proverbs - that her husband sat among the elders, which was an esteemed position. But the purpose, always and only, is for the glory and edification of God the Father, thereby flowing out of us to minister to others. It is what Jesus did! It is what we are called to do!
Matthew 5:16...Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and our praiseworthy, notable, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
A hearts' cry...Father, my hearts' cry is to reflect Your Son as I walk before man...