The news is filled with “important people” these days. Celebrities, politicians, the wealthy, and accomplished are pushed into the headlines. Some flaw or mistake is pounced on and crafted into glaring headlines, designed to draw our attention. A talented actor is dumping his mate, or a beautiful model enters rehab, and a politician is “caught” in a scandal. These daily headlines come out so fast it is hard to remember who is left untainted.
Once upon a time celebrities closely guarded their reputations because a scandal would mean a fall in the public eye and a decline in their career. Now a bad reputation seems to be sought after by many and even adds to their fame. The public admire their looks, envy their lives, hang on their every word, and look forward to their next sordid tale. Are these the people we look up to?
Politicians were once subject to scrutiny by voters who demanded they be held to a higher standard. After all, these elected officials make decisions that determine whether we succeed or fail. We want the best people making wise decisions, right? Now it seems our standards have fallen, along with our politicians. Look beyond the political games and you will see not the best and brightest, but the worst are elected. We no longer demand the best but ask what is in it for us if this person is elected. We vote people into office that we wouldn’t trust with our own money nor leave alone with our daughters.
The wealthy aren’t voted in and don’t rise and fall with popular opinion, but we put them on a pedestal. Does having money make them worthy to be admired? Do we consider how these fortunes were made? Hard earned, honestly acquired wealth can lead to admirable lives, but seems to be the exception. Great wealth gained through personal sacrifice causes great heartache and more problems when it is passed on. Families break apart in the struggle to get “their share.”
Is anyone truly worthy of praise? Yes. Consider the people I sit with in Church. These Filipinos’ (and there are many others) leave their homes to work overseas so their families can have a better life. At the bottom of the pay scale, their sacrifices pay for food, clothing, school tuition and medical care for family members they rarely see. Many are elderly but can’t retire because the need continues. Under these circumstances, they are faithful in Church, generous in helping and have the joy of the LORD on their faces.
What about our Missionary Pastor, who after a lifetime of service could enjoy retirement or an “easy job?” Instead, he works long days serving others, grabbing a few moments with his loving wife. He flies back to the states for “brief” visits with family because he needs to “take care” of his congregation.
Back home in Texas our Pastor has one of those “easy jobs” shepherding a small congregation with his wife as Administrator of a Christian school. They are busier than they should be in their 80’s, but they have a burden for souls that won’t let them quit. Pastor does the construction, building maintenance, teaching, counseling (sometimes referee), driving and preaches almost every service.
Last Sunday I pondered the unrestrained praise I heard in Church. During our worship service, there were repeated declarations that GOD is worthy. He has no scandal, has never failed, gives more than we deserve, and can be trusted with all we have. That is right, He truly is worthy. He has shown infinite love and mercy to we who are so very unworthy. While we were yet sinners, He sent JESUS to die for us that we might be called the sons of GOD. Yes, He is worthy to be praised!
Wayne Lance (2014) – That’s Good News to Share!