Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
There are many attributes that are universally accepted by humans of all races, religions, and nationalities. Included on the list would be kindness, compassion, mercy, hospitality, honesty, integrity, dependability, creativity, determination, courage, patience, loyalty, cooperation, caring, generosity, maturity, and self-control. I could make a case for each, but there is no need; as I said they are universally accepted. The world would be a better place if people everywhere would aspire to live in accordance with these attributes.
As I read the list, while looking at my reflection in the mirror, I am painfully reminded of how often I have failed in achieving these human attributes. If I am honest with myself, the truth would reveal that I fall short of my aspirations daily. I often lose my courage; I am not known as the most patient of men, and once on the golf course, I lost my self-control. I am honest most of the time; I display maturity except when I don’t. Compassion and mercy are sometimes hidden behind my self-righteous attitude.
It is very hard to be human. It is almost impossible to live a life of integrity. Our investments, our government, and our multinationals are far from clean. The security that we enjoy is often at the expense of others; we are against border walls, but live in gated communities with home security systems. Many of us are deeply concerned about creation care, so we recycle, and we raise money on Facebook to support the rainforest. Of course, we also live in 3,000 square foot homes that sit empty as we escape to an Airbnb. We have two cars, we fly to far-off lands, and we eat red meat, leaving behind a carbon footprint the size of Elon Musk’s bank account. The truth: we are addicted to energy, consumption, the next Amazon order, and a lifestyle that will ultimately prove to be unsustainable.
All of that, and I am still looking in the mirror; I have not even had a chance to consider your life. I have great admiration for the positive attributes listed above, but perhaps I value humility most of all. Humility grounded in the recognition that my life is one hypocrisy after another, with only brief interludes of honesty, integrity, patience, and kindness. I don’t like this part of being human, this free-will gift that often leads me to look out for number one.
Humility. Let us be slow to judge others. Let us not think that we have a corner on the market of truth or wisdom. Let us be kind to every poor human who is carrying a heavy load and trying to survive. May our hypocrisy, once recognized, hold in check our propensity to arrogance.
Let’s work on the list above and let humility guide our steps. It is very hard to be a human.
In love, I am one beggar telling other beggars where to find bread.
Pastor Jim
