Recognition

Basically, I believe we, as humans, have a very deep need (and desire, for that matter), to be recognized. Recognized for things we've done. Recognized for things we're planning on doing. Recognized for accomplishments that we may be remotely involved in...others have done the main job, but we tag along for the accolades that are handed out in the end.

Aren't we very funny and strange people?

We want people to notice that without us doing "X" job, it would never have been done, and therefore, we would not be in the wonderful "place" that we now are enjoying.

Some even go so far as actually believing that....that they have done "X" when in reality, it has been others who have done the "X", but because they had a hand in a tiny part of "X", they do not hesitate to take ALL the credit. It's important to recognize, I believe, that credit will be given by others, where credit is due.

We fall short in our attempt at being humble. We cannot simply get over ourselves. We NEED others to see the good we do. Why is that? Are we so insecure in ourselves and our relationship to Christ that we need other's approval.....Christ's approval just doesn't cut it on it's own?

But Christ wants that of us. He wants us to be rid of our bragging and boasting. It is good enough that only he knows what we have done to further his kingdom...no one else needs to know. No one needs to know how generous we are with our money. No one needs to know how we did "X" for Mrs. so-and-so. No one needs to know how many "letters" we have following our names and how much education we have achieved.....NO ONE. All of these things are good, to be sure, and we work very hard to achieve these goals, but when we express the importance of these things about ourselves, we turn our accomplishments on to ourselves, not on the ONE who has allowed us to receive these blessings and gifts.

I believe that when we have rid ourselves of ourselves and we have asked for forgiveness for wanting to "be known" in all we do, we will then experience the true life Christ has for us, in all humility and gentleness and meekness.

I've been thinking quite a bit lately of Mother Theresa of Calcutta. She desired earnestly to do the will of the Father, wanting to help those less fortunate and she did just that. No fanfare. No proclamation in front of her peers that what she was doing was indeed, most excellent.

No. She went about her work, the work of God, humbly, without recognition, all for the sake of those that needed her love and help.....and for Christ's sake.

Oh, God, we have so far to go in this area. You have said "the meek shall inherit the earth". Give us enough sensitivity to give without receiving, to give without expecting anything in return.

Help us, I pray.