Wisdom 2:12,17-20, James 3:16-4:3, Mark 9:30-37
There is no great achievement in life without people working behind the scenes, often without receiving the honour they deserve. Even if it is a personal achievement, there have been moments of silent and cumulative efforts put in place. Oftentimes, jealousy builds up around people when they have come into the limelight or are gaining a place of honour in society. No one is ready to count the hours of labour or the unsung acts of service that have paved the way for their success.
Envy or jealousy often arises from those who believe they should be the ones in the place of honour. We forget that everyone can shine in their own niche, regardless of how much attention or honour others receive. Each person is valuable and significant in their own unique way.
Moreover, people often feel threatened when someone else’s life challenges their status quo. Instead of stepping up and improving themselves, some choose to eliminate the person they see as a threat. In the Book of Wisdom, Jeremiah lamented the wicked schemes plotted against him. He was considered a thorn in the side by those who felt he disapproved of their lifestyle. They said among themselves, “Let us lie in wait for the virtuous man, since he annoys us and opposes our way of life, reproaches us for our breaches of the law and accuses us of playing false to our upbringing.”
James in his letter, wrote, “Where do these wars and battles between yourselves first start? Isn’t it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves? You want something and you haven’t got it; so, you are prepared to kill.” We become vicious when we think others possess the honour we lack, whereas we are all endowed in our ways.
Interestingly, to calm their quest for the front seat of honour, Jesus presented a little child as the model of their followership. “‘If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.’ He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms around him, and said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
Real honour is found in humble service. In our service, no one should be taken for granted. We must not count ourselves as better than others. We are at God’s mercy and should be ready to embrace all who bring the word of God to us, irrespective of their status.
May we always grow at our own God-given pace and be pillars of support for others in their own unique giftings.
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