Originally posted on Facebook on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

You don't have to be prominent to be important.

There are impurities in my thinking that disrupt my peace and destroy my productivity.

Jesus referred to these as leaven.

Among which is the idea that I have to be prominent to be important.

Jesus warned us about this. “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts"
-Luke 20:46

This sort of thinking breeds self-seeking, making me a slave to what is momentary and does not satisfy (disturbing my peace). It also places undue emphasis on me as an individual rather than as a member of a larger whole, dividing me from those to whom and from whom edification should flow (destroying my productivity).

But this is the mind of Christ,

"And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another."
-I Corinthians 12:23-25

So, my prayer today is:

"Father, give me a heart like Christ's, that thinks of prominence as nothing to be sought or held on to, not being preoccupied with oneself (even how they or their work is perceived), but is humble, simply living in service to the Whole, trusting You with their obedience. (Philippians 2:3-11)

Therefore, give me a heart
that does not need to be seen,
that does not need to be applauded,
that does not need likes on social media,
that does not need to signal my importance through titles such as president of this, founder of that or through possessions such as houses, cars or clothes,
that does not need "important" work but a heart that is content peeling potatoes in Your name.

Give me a heart that is glad, yes rejoices, just to be at Your table, regardless of where I sit.

Give me a heart that is satisfied with You alone.

I confess that I do not have this heart. I still desire worldly acceptance and approval. I repent and ask for Your heart believing this is Your will, therefore having full confidence that You can and You will grant my petition, believing that I will receive it without doubting, I ask these things for Your Son Jesus' sake and in His name I pray.

Amen."