Why seeking recognition is almost always a losing proposition
By Dean Collins
It happens at work. It happens in families. It happens with athletes and actors. It happens with politicians and preachers. It happens every day. Someone less talented, less loyal, less knowledgeable gets promoted, gets noticed, or gets honored.
We would probably be embarrassed if others knew how often our thoughts have been, It should have been me. But for whatever reason, it wasn’t.
I assume we would often agree that those who got the honor probably deserved it. Their performance in a game, or a season, or a lifetime was worth recognizing. But that’s not what bothers you. It’s that your performance or your season was pretty good as well, but no one noticed it. There is no plaque on your wall, no picture and praise in the company newsletter.
Then there’s the darker side of our hearts and minds, when we know about the flaws in some who did get the attention. If others knew what you knew about them, well, they wouldn’t think as much of them.
I’m sure many have said it, but it was maybe 1976 when I heard James Dobson say that comparison is the root of all feelings of inferiority. Comparing your looks, talents, abilities, performance, attitude, or whatever may give you some smug satisfaction for a moment, but will usually make you just feel worse.
A world like ours
When Jesus began his ministry, the world he entered had a lot of similarities to ours. The rich got richer. The poor were generally ignored. What family you were born into created more opportunities for some and less for others. People with power usually abused it. And the religious crowd wasn’t much different.
The scribes and Pharisees made sure everyone knew how righteous they were. They dressed a certain way and trumpeted how well they followed the law. They drew attention to their monetary gifts, and their prayers were filled with five-dollar words. They had a scoreboard approach to their religion. So we can imagine how Jesus’ teaching and behaviors made their heads spin.
And while the scribes’ and Pharisees’ heads were spinning, the regular folk were leaning in. What Jesus said was fresh and new. If what he said was true, then maybe something was changing or could change. Maybe there was hope of a different life and a new way forward.
A comparison to ponder
I just said that comparing yourself to another isn’t helpful, but right in the middle of the most famous sermon Jesus ever preached, he made a comparison. It was clear and direct and everyone heard it and I’m sure talked about it over dinner. “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “ It was a drop the mic kind of moment. But Jesus didn’t drop the mic and walk off the stage. He just sat there on the mountainside, giving example after example of how this was possible.
And none of his teachings had anything to do with getting attention or getting promoted. He did talk about rewards occasionally, but basically said they come later and have little to do with getting the attention of others. In fact, most of his teachings had to do what we are supposed to do for others. He didn’t give sermons on getting ahead in this world, although he did say if you want to be the greatest, then be a servant to everyone.
A team like no other
When Jesus pulled a team together he didn’t pick a single one of the religious or political leaders in town. His leadership group didn’t have the look of leadership. They looked like the people who could use some help. In synagogue they were the ones who never got picked to do anything and were never offered a seat at any table.
And as low as these disciples were on the recognition chain, they also had some work to do on the topic of humility. Apparently David and Solomon were right. Humility does come before honor. Jesus would end up saying it many ways. He would also practice it daily. And to make the lesson abundantly clear, he eventually gave the greatest demonstration of humility when he willingly laid down his life on a cross for our forgiveness. That’s a whole new level of humility.
Honor would come after the resurrection. And his honor and glory will endure forever! The work of Jesus on the cross is what brings forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love to us. It is the powerful work of grace in us that allows us in our best moments to quit judging like the world does and to quit comparing like the world does. It is what allows us to humble ourselves in service to others so that they too might experience life in the way God intended, even on earth as it is in Heaven.
And honor will come for you and for me. It comes after humility.
Your time with God’s Word
Matthew 5:20, Proverbs 15:33 ESV
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
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