Performing on the Lower Level:

Just because someone is at the bottom doesn’t mean that they’re not capable to perform at the top. That is what makes this socialite/celebrity/status thing such a farce. It builds false confidence in fools, calls sinners saints, and the “real thing” by virtue is inadmissible.

The simple mind applauds the fool, but the wise mind reveres the King. Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up. Remember the multitudes turned away from Jesus to hear John the Baptist, and the idiots chose to free a convicted criminal (a murderer, nonetheless), rather than the innocent Christ, who was in essence there to set at liberty they who were mentally, emotionally, physically, and most importantly spiritually bound. That is what makes us (Christians) the light of the world. People see us because we endure and remain steadfast – in all of our ways. We are connected to the “true vine.” Therefore, in the midst of darkness, not only will our light never go out; but we’ll use our unending flow of oil to fill up other lamps that have already gone out, and our flame to rekindle their wicks. As, trees planted by the rivers of water whose branches will bring forth fruit in due season, our branches will never wither and die…but spring up daily like Aaron’s rod to bring new hope to the believer, recovering of sight to the blind, sound to deaf ears, feed those who hunger, comfort those who mourn, and be a place of solemn rest for those who have grown weary in well doing.

Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Pray for them (all of them) who despitefully use and abhor you, for they know not what they do.

Last night, I heard a sermon that said, “The difference between God and man is that he shows you your faults to help you to overcome them. Man shows you your faults to ridicule you.”

As I told my “counterparts” in my message when they questioned my perseverance in the midst of adversity, “The sole purpose is not to cast blame, but to act responsibly in executing the responsibilities of a job to which I have been duly appointed.”

dem: 05/11/01 © Perspectives