Listen

“But you shouldn’t be called Rabbi, because you have one teacher, and all of you are brothers and sisters. Don’t call anybody on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is heavenly. Don’t be called teacher, because Christ is your one teacher. But the one who is greatest among you will be your servant. All who lift themselves up will be brought low. But all who make themselves low will be lifted up.”

Matthew 23:8-12

Think

This passage is hard to read and not think about the way our culture places people on pedestals… And then we’re shocked when they begin to believe the labels we have attached to them. This happens with celebrities, athletes, and politicians.

Since today is Halloween, consider the masks that people wear or allow to be put upon them. When these masks are worn to make one greater than another, then the person stands in contrast to what Jesus taught. Be humble. Be a servant.

These words even echo a passage from Micah, chapter 6, verse 8: “Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God.”

The words of Micah and Jesus this week are summed up in that verse. These nine words guide you and me to not be led astray. We seek the well-being of others. We offer grace and forgiveness when mistakes are made. We bow before God, rather than trying to glorify ourselves.

Do justice.

Love mercy.

Walk humbly with your God.

Brian Foreman

Pray

God, protect my heart and mind from the things that would lead me away from you. Help me see where I am weak and you are strong. Amen.

Go

You are the light of your community.

You are the salt of the neighborhood.

You carry God’s truth to the places you go.

Be confident that imitating Christ is your call, even imperfectly.

Be bold in lifting others up in a world that seeks to put them down.

Remember your brothers and sisters, and pray for them this day.

Amen.