Dream Haters: Background Belittlers
If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish…
Philippians 3:4-8 (NKJV)
I've spent lots of time with professionals: people “certified” by education, with impressive letters trailing their names.
I was raised among well-known families: people “connected” by social standing, private clubs, achievements, and neighborhoods.
I was churched at a lofty cathedral: a landmark next to a state capitol, where well-dressed people (possibly) worshipped.
I’m sadly familiar with elitism: puffed-up thoughts of superiority based on diplomas, backgrounds, or money.
Consider the days when Jesus lived here…
God’s Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords, didn’t embrace or endorse elitism.
Compared to lawyers, scribes, and Pharisees, Jesus was a poor, uneducated, unattractive, unconnected Preacher… with an equally unqualified staff.
Background belittlers denounced Him and them, but couldn’t deny His marvelous work or prevent the path God called Him to walk.
His unprecedented humility produced unprecedented success!
Now, 2000 years after Jesus left…
Background belittlers STILL pose, prate, and preen. Men STILL reward degrees and pedigrees… like fluffy balls on a show poodle’s tail.
Do pontiffs and preachers play the same show? Well-schooled, well-dressed, well-churched, well-protected, well-staffed, and well-stocked?
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
You’ve been called to act in a simpler show– with just one MUST-HAVE Qualification: The Holy Spirit!
You’ve been commissioned by Jesus, Himself. What better credential can Christians have?
As Nicodemus, Jairus, and Joseph of Arimathea demonstrated, not ALL well-credentialed people act as background belittlers. Some go straight through the eye of a needle, and use their worldly positions for good!
But when you meet a condescending snob, do what Jesus did. Ignore him. Move on.
Dream Haters: Background Belittlers (Part 5)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.