When I was in the Army Basic Infantry Combat training in August 1966 at El Paso, we had a very demanding First Sergeant. He was a short, fat black man. He knew he was important.
He frequently told us, “I’s the first sergeant.” I believe he enjoyed yelling at us and demanding our respect. And I feel sure he earned his rank and do appreciate the work of Fort Bliss to get new recruits and draftees ready to go to Vietnam.
I was in the Army National Guard and we were never sent out on active duty. Our First Sergeant demanded that if we saw him coming towards us in a hallway we were to quickly stand with our backs against the wall allowing him free passageway.
I am glad those days are in the past. Sometimes I wonder, “Would I feel comfortable demanding respect?” Respect is earned. And I mean no disrespect but I think I would feel uncomfortable throwing my authority around and making people move at my command. That is if I had any authority.
In reality I am keenly aware of the fact that I am unworthy to be called a son of God. John 1:12: “But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: I am even more painfully aware that I am more unworthy to be called, ‘A man of God.’”
Jesus put me in the ministry. I did not volunteer. You could say Jesus drafted me. I volunteered to serve my country but I did not volunteer to preach. I can say with Paul (1 Timothy 1:12): “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; I do not deserve to be a pastor. I do not deserve the respect that comes with being a preacher. Lepers in the days of Jesus were to cry loudly when they came close to others, ‘Unclean. Unclean.’”
People avoided those with leprosy and even threw stones at them. As I walk among people I feel like I too should cry loudly, “Unclean. Unclean.” I am clean but only because I have been washed in the precious blood of Jesus. 1 John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Have you repented and asked Jesus to save you? Are you a servant of God who feels he deserves respect? I have met many Christians who seem to have a higher opinion of themselves than I think is healthy. Be thankful you are saved, but never forget you and I deserve the torments of the eternal lake of fire but Jesus paid our penalty and redeemed us.
We should be the happiest and the most meek people on earth. Are you?
