About Jane or Jesus?

Presidential primary season is upon us. A person who puts himself in that race must have an amazing sense of self-confidence to say, “Hand me the responsibility of being the Chief Executive of the country.”  A couple of the candidates display a real sense of duty, something like a calling. You don’t get a sense that they are out to prove themselves, or even that they have to win. Then, there are those in whom you can sense a titanic ego. It comes across to me like this:  “I am Mr. Wonderful. I deserve your vote because I am so very special.” (Don’t ask me which ones. I’m not going there publicly.)

In a discussion about ministry with my wife I made an observation about a person who serves faithfully and effectively. This woman builds teams, plans strategically, and consistently produces positive results. There is a remarkable characteristic about her service, one thing that sets her apart; it’s never about her!  She not using her position to make herself important. She does not need to create a name for herself. It’s not about Jane (not her real name), it’s about Jesus. If even the smallest bit of ego slips into our Christian service, what we do ‘for Christ’ is quickly corrupt, tainted by Self. The focus shifts from pleasing Him to being recognized. The goal moves from doing the work of the Kingdom to making sure of our place or solidifying our influence.

Here’s how Jesus speaks to this issue.

"When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice:
“When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!

“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”" (Luke 14:7-11, NLT)

Humility grows in us as we choose to serve for the sake of love alone. We cannot try to be humble, it just doesn’t work that way. The moment we become self-conscious, humility is lost. So, we pursue Christ-consciousness. We pray that He will fill our vision, satisfy our desire for love and esteem, and give Self the boot. When ego comes knocking, when it whines about being ignored or overlooked, we silence it with confession of our need for His love.

Is your life about __________________ (fill in your name) or Jesus?

Here’s the word from the Word. Spirit of God, plant it deep in my heart. Amen.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NIV)

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