“The day of the Lord of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up – and it shall be brought low.”  Isaiah 2:12

“All of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealing with one another, for “’ God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”  1 Peter 5:5  

Power appeals to some – being in charge, hobnobbing with the rich and famous.  Some are born into privilege with expectations of wealth and power; some of us into relative comfort with high hopes; most … neither privileged nor comfortable.  Yet every human being is conceived and born the same way.  Some die with the whole world watching; some of us known to a few; many … alone and unknown.  Yet all draw a last breath.  Mansions to alley doorways, we are mortals, one and all.  God’s grace and mercy know no rank.  Jesus did not die first for CEOs and world leaders; for overachievers; for those with the most volunteer hours; and on down the line … lastly to those alley doorways.  “He died for all …  

… that those who live should not live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them and rose again.”  (2 Corinthians 5:15)  What will we do with the time between life’s two absolute happenings?  Wealth, high achievement, name recognition in themselves do not make someone pompous.  I feel we can be proud of our accomplishments, using the talents we have been given (emphasis on GIVEN).  We were born with abilities that lead us to purposeful careers, and hobbies that are useful and bring pleasure or comfort to others as well as ourselves.  Affirmation encourages us to continue our endeavors.  In turn, we praise the talents and accomplishments of others and encourage them.  Feeling superior to others, bragging, needing recognition, are another matter.  Would we do what we do, if not one other person noticed, if no one paid attention when we need to tell them about our good deeds?

Servant King, Help us realize our responsibilities to use the talents you have given us to the best of our ability; for the good of others; and to your glory.  Amen  

Verla Olson         

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