“I’m the CEO of three companies!”
Wow. Impressive credentials in any setting, however, did he have to announce this at a homeowners association (HOA) meeting? Many years ago, I attended an HOA meeting for the community in which I lived at that time. There was a gathering of about 30 people, most of whom we were meeting for the first time. We were asked to introduce ourselves and state our address. Most of the introductions were perfunctory and polite, not this neighbor. He wanted to make it known that we should be fortunate to be living with such an esteemed and successful leader.
When is the appropriate time to boast about one’s credentials? Certainly when applying for a new job or being introduced as an expert in a field, proper credentials are crucial to establish credibility and establish confidence. But what about in social situations, like an HOA meeting? As far as I was concerned, we were all equal, living in the same community. Yet for this homeowner, it was a competition. He was not in the running to be on the board or some committee. Was the end goal simply to make the rest of us feel inferior? How very different is the example of Jesus Christ.
He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
1 Peter 2:22-23 (NLT)
Jesus Christ has every reason to boast about His credentials. He lived the life of a perfect Man and He was God incarnate. If He desired, He could call tens of thousands of angels to assist Him at a moment’s notice. The universe was created by Him and if He chose, it could also be annihilated by Him in an instant. Yet, with all this power and glory, He chose to live the life of a carpenter and an itinerant preacher. Why did He live such a humble and lowly life? What was the end goal?
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21 (NLT)
Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and we can be confident that He understands all of the trials and suffering that we encounter. He was sent to earth to restore the relationship that sin had broken between man and God. His end goal was to show that all who confess and repent of their sins and accept Him as Lord and Savior will have eternal life and salvation.
His end goal is not to make us feel inferior. He elevates us to become fellow sons and daughters of God, heirs to the indescribable glory and riches of God!
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 