My title for this devotion is Servant vs Celebrity.
It’s that time of the year again! Sometime late last year-I think around Nov/Dec we were deluged with “The Sexiest Man Alive” garbage. (I mean, like who really cares?) Then over the past week or so-with the end of one year and the beginning of another-we hear all kinds of “Ten Best” lists. And to top it off we are starting a new decade so we are inundated with “Ten Best” or “20 Best” of the decade. May I be very open and honest? I. don’t. care. Seriously. I really don’t. I don’t really care who society thinks the Sexiest Man or Woman is. Not only is it purely subjective, in the grand scheme of things it changes nothing. It raises some to celebrity status and lowers some to “has been” or secondary status.
How unlike Scripture. In Mark 10:45 Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As I’ve said how unlike the Scripture is our culture! I just can’t see Jesus campaigning for the front cover of a magazine. Or relishing His choice as “Most Rugged Man of the Year.” Or applauding His award as “Humanitarian of the Year.” Or basking in the glow of “Top Influential Evangelical of the Year.” Nope. Not Jesus. His greatest joy was not to be a celebrity, but being a servant. How many times did He tell people not to tell others “but go show yourself to the priests?”
Accolades come and go. I threw away my college basketball trophies long time ago. Praises are fickle. But what really matters is being a servant. There’s a Maranatha chorus we used to sing: “Make me a servant humble and meek/Lord help me lift up those who are weak/And may the prayer of my heart always be/Make me a servant/Make me a servant today.”
“Lord, that is my prayer today. Let me be a servant for You. Help me not to seek the accolades or applause of men.”
Amen, Bill! When I turned 65 and applied for Social Security, I was told I couldn’t receive because I didn’t have enough salaried work years. I will never forget the look of disdain on the woman behind the window. It was a judgment of who I am. I told her I was a stay-at-home mom and then when my children were school-age, I volunteered. I have worked hard – full time – my whole adult life but not for a salary. As a volunteer. That is who I am – Abigail – servant to the Servants of The LORD. This world’s system doesn’t understand or even like people like me.
I have a unique situation Diane. I had no SS because I did not pay into it. What little I get actually comes from Jo. it’s not much for either of us but God is sufficient.
It is somewhat comical how much emphasis is placed on ” of the year”. Or the top 20 of 2020. The sad part is I can’t remember what the top anything was for last year… or of 2010, or of 2000.
All important achievements I am sure from various points of view.
The moment the most humble of the year is awarded it would have to be given back as the person who received it will immediately become proud of their accomplishment.
Our reward will come, but it will not be based on merit or humility or activities or looks… it will be come based on what Jesus did for us. We will just to humbly accept it.
I agree Ryan. Each year has its own ups and downs. Its over and you can’t change it. and you think you forget things now? Wait until you get to be my age. 🙂 I look for that reward.
May our #1 priority be to serve the Lord and others. Amen, Bill!
Amen to that Martha.