Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19Sample

Worthy of Worship

“I’m giving a Chia pet”. I couldn’t believe that my sister really said and did just that at our family Christmas exchange. For many years our extended family exchanged gifts by drawing names and giving thoughtfully and generously to one person rather than trying to afford gifting all 40-60 family members present. We drew names at our Thanksgiving gathering, and anticipated whose name would bring the pleasure of our consideration. The year that a generic gift exchange game was decided to replace our long standing tradition really upset and hurt my sister who is extremely personal in her holiday benevolence. So, in protest that first year of our new tradition, she bought and wrapped the most impersonal gift she could find…a Chia pet. Her motive was quite clear!

While connecting with family and friends in a season of open opportunity to share Christ and goodwill, there may also be questions and even judgment of motives. For most believers, this time of year can be a beautiful opportunity for reflection (perhaps more should take time to reflect). The pressure of giving 'out of duty' is also felt by many during this season. For those in healthy social situations, motives can be pure and loving, while others feel tremendous strain trying to dodge the judgment or motives of certain people over all the trappings that can be present.

Each of our readings today holds guidance and warnings about our motives. Reflection prior to action brings wisdom and admonition for keeping our motives pure as we draw close to Christ and allow His desires to be ours. Judgment over the heart of our motives will keep us intentional and aware of sin in its most subtle forms. The danger is to judge others (in condemnation rather than discernment) without noticing our own conduct. Looking to the Author of Love, and His gift to us reminds us to look inward in evaluation and gratefulness.

Once our hearts and minds are focused on allowing our motives to be pure and God honoring, we can openly recognize and celebrate the Holiness before us…in human form to relate to us and ultimately be our Sacrifice, and in majesty as our Redeemer. He is the only one worthy to judge, without a desire to condemn us, but to bridge the gap of sin, to welcome us to His family, cherished and precious to Him.

Let us take time to evaluate our motives, leave the judging to the One who is righteous. Recognize the magnificence of Who God, in the form of Christ, truly is, and then be ready to spread that love to those we encounter. Jesus was not “just a baby”, but the Almighty who is Worthy of Worship.

Primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Christ follower, musician, teacher, yarn artist, member of Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla.