‘I am the greatest’ was a catch-phrase assoiated with one of the world’s top heavyweight boxers of the 60s through 80s. For many years, Mohammed Ali was the greatest, with showmanship and enough aggression to wow the crowds. These days are gone for the boxer; his name has been replaced by others as world champion and not many are as familiar with his glory or story. Perhaps this is the core message embedded in today’s Holy Nougat –
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NLT
– for truly, there are likely to be others far greater or worse than we are.
Yet, I maintain that us humans operate primarily from selfish interests. We do that which pleases us, even in caring for another. We may also do that which protects us or preserves us; sometimes even to the detriment of our wellbeing. If that theory holds true; how then do we negotiate life while honoring the god-ness in others?
In one sense, offering others that space of greatness is the way forward. But it doesn’t always follow through in the secular world where folks operate with cutthroat mentality and just as easily throw others under the bus in their path to success. Nor is it comfortable when the person we accord ultimate respect betrays us.
Might I suggest that we maintain the self-centered stance of first loving ourselves in the right way. Recognizing and affirming our preciousness as God’s creation. We were chosen to be here on earth NOW, despite the things which could have happened. You see, we might not be the greatest – but here and now, we got Purpose.
Then we give credit to our heavenly Creator Who purposed us for here and now. To be proof of God’s glory and love; and to bask in the awesomeness of this glorious Love. (Now there’s One Who could legitimately sport the self description catch phrase; ‘I’m the Greatest!’ Yet we don’t always give God that title.)
As proof of God’s glory, loving others is part of the package. We love from the place of Love. We open doors knowing that it might never be acknowledged. We live, with a desire to share from our bounty; despite the inevitable disappointment of others‘ actions. For, if God is the One Whom we wish to impress, we may find – in our selfishness – that we treat and honor others the way we Know Our Creator sees us.
Usually it means taking the ‘high road’; and treating others as though they are better than ourselves. It may even require ignoring someone’s attitude or ultimately dissociation from a person or space. Even so; we press forward with the aim of shining God’s light (and asking God’s forgiveness when we don’t).
Who knows, our approach might result in an onlooker’s transformation.
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
