Stoop To ConquerSample

Last, Lost and Least

It is a strange paradox that God’s Kingdom works totally opposite to the world’s principles. God chooses the weak and foolish things to shame the wise (I Cor 1:27). It is so that we have nothing to boast about or pride in.

He knocked at our door one day and asked to fix the roof. A tall handsome guy with an accent, he looked like a white-collar professional to my eyes. I did not wish to probe but quietly observed the diligence with which he set about doing his roof fixing job. Once the work was done, he stood by the gate expecting us to check on the job before getting paid.

My brother could not contain his curiosity and blurted upfront. “You don’t look like a labourer?” The man smiled and opened up. “I am a doctor in UK, practicing for 2 decades and doing well financially. I visit my father’s home town once a year, for a month. I like to stay connected to my roots by doing my father’s job of 40 years. I do not wish to forget the sacrifice of my father that has made me a successful doctor today,” he cheerfully shared.

In a world that is interested in establishing credentials and ensuring social climb by their ‘affiliations’, this was a refreshing deviation! I was touched and impressed by the man’s humility!

The Bible unashamedly lists out the deserted and destitute among the lineage of Jesus Christ. It does not hide or justify the dysfunctional and unimpressive line of Jesus’ ancestors.

It is more liberating when we do not make a grandiose pitch of ourselves but choose to work as one who know that we are the weak and foolish with humble backgrounds, possibly dysfunctional, that God proudly chooses to address as heir and co-heirs of His Son!

The goodness of God is able to shine through all of our hurt and humble beginnings. We need not hide behind our impressive degrees and professional success.

Prayer 

Lord, help me not to seek to identify with who’s who of the world to get a false sense of identity and fleeting fame in society. Let me experience the true liberty that comes from a transparent and unpretentious spirit! Amen

This Devotional is part of the 52 Week Christian Institute of Management 2018 Devotional

2018 Devotional