Some years ago I
got a family member to teach me how to drive in Nigeria. On this particular day
while I was behind the steering wheel with the windows down and my teacher
beside me, I overheard an annoying remark.
A young man walking close by said
with contempt, “Every one wants to drive these days, even this one!”
You have to
understand that in Nigeria, driving is not seen as a necessity, but a luxury.
So when this young man made his remark, he was basically saying I was unworthy
of such luxury. I almost mowed him down! How dare he! Thankfully, I ignored
him.
Like this young
man, many people judge us based on how we look or where we are coming from.
They wonder, sometimes loudly,
“how come some one
like this is so blessed?”
“Everyone wants to
be a preacher these days!”
“She’s a sinner (or
she’s poor, he’s not as educated as me, etc), and should not accomplish this!” etc
At such times, it’s
easy to get upset or even feel unworthy of such blessings. Paying attention to
these naysayers could also hinder us from fulfilling our purpose on earth.
Because instead of depending on God who has called us, we disqualify ourselves
due to our limitations and faults.
But that’s not how
God wants us to act. He knew us, with our strengths and weaknesses, even before
He chose us. And He delights to bless us, not because we are really worthy, but
because He loves us. You might want to read more about how God loves us like a
mother loves her baby here.
There is no one
higher or better than you. While people may classify us based on our gender,
race, social status, etc, God views all of us as equal.
With this
realization of how deep God’s love is for us, I believe it empowers and
liberates us to be all He has called us to be. No longer do we need to feel
validated or approved by people to do something different, we already have the
Almighty’s approval on us!
Besides God loves
to use the people that are often seen as unworthy. Such people know better to
lean on Him than themselves.
And perhaps you may
have sneered at some ‘low class’ person who was trying to be something. You may
have even rejected someone because the person did not fit into your definition
of what such a person should look like. Don’t make the mistake of the Jews. They
rejected the Messiah because He didn’t look the part.
The same God who
has blessed you is the same one who made the person who does not have as much.
Remember that everyone of us is special to Him and is worthy. Whatever
treatment you offer to the least person (your house girl/boy, guard, child’s
nanny, your subordinates, employees, etc ) is what you give to Him.
I pray God helps us
to be more loving especially to those who are not as fortunate as we are. Amen.
-----------------------
Image1 courtesy:http://penigma.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/inferior.jpg
Image2 courtesy:http://cdn.devotedconversations.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/butterfly-750x498.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment