Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23)
We are all familiar with pyramids. The ancient wonders were built on the backs of lowly workers moving large blocks. The modern corporations are often built on the hard work of unskilled laborers. Religious institutions can be built on the sin burdens of beaten down laypersons. Humble service by all - that is what God's kingdom looks like. We are not all the same - we all have different gifts and callings in the body of Christ. But we are all equally sinners who need a Savior, and all who believe have the Holy Spirit to instruct us and full rights as the children of God. May we all beware our tendancy torward spiritual snobbery. Christ has turned the pyramid upside down.
No comments:
Post a Comment