We constantly compare ourselves to others. In fact, it seem we are indeed quite good at praying without ceasing, so long as our prayer is like that of the Pharisee in Luke 18:11.
However, rather than finding our identity in the distance we can put between ourselves and others who are less successful, our deepest identity is rooted where we are like all other people - weak, broken, sinful, but sons and daughters of God.
This matters deeply to me, as I have recently been wrestling with ambition and the perceived need to achieve. Sometimes I mistakenly take thoughts like the above to allow, or even require, laziness. But, rightly understood, this shows me that hard work should come as a result of our love for others and the concomitant desire to serve them, and is not necessarily rooted in the desire to distance ourselves from other in order to compare. When rooted in love, this work is the recapitulation of the incarnation - an act that brings us to intimate closeness in Christ.
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2 comments:
Incarnation IS hard work but your post reminds me that it is also patient work. I often question if I am patient enough, with myself and others, to allow space to learn a lifestyle of love and service with/for the other. Thank you for your words.
you don't post very often
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