Many of us minister amidst very, very powerful people. It is so tempting to "aim at earthly gain" - money, fame, power, "a place at the table," etc. "Venerable" Bede, one of England's earliest historians (673-735 A.D.), wrote a homily about the above verse in which he tells us what it means to really "follow" Jesus in the midst of worldly temptations to seek earthly glory: "By 'follow' he meant not so much the movement of feet as of the heart, the carrying out of a way of life... "For one who says that he lives in Christ ought himself to walk just as He walked, not to aim at earthly things, not to pursue perishable gains, but to flee base praise, to embrace willingly the contempt of all that is worldly for the sake of heavenly glory, to do good to all, to inflict injuries upon no one in bitterness, to suffer patiently those injuries that come to oneself, to ask God's forgiveness for those who oppress, never to seek one's own glory but always God's, and to uphold whatever helps one love heavenly things... "This is what is meant by following Christ. In this way, disregarding earthly gains, Matthew attached himself to the band of followers of One who had no riches." Join With In Agreeing Prayer: --"Lord, we covet, even lust for, 'earthly things'. Forgive us, Lord, and turn our hearts, minds, eyes and wills to love heavenly things. "We pray in Jesus' Name. Amen." could you encourage us by e-mailing back with your "Amen"? Or if you would like to add a prayer of your own which we can "Amen", then reply here. Thank you. |