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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #434 March 6, 2002 What do you do? One of the very first questions most men (and increasing numbers of women) ask when we meet is "What do you do?" From my years as a brain injury survivor who doesn’t have gainful employment in the traditional sense, I’ve learned that there are many ways to answer. I quickly learned that if I said, "I’m on disability leave." or "I’m a brain injury survivor." I either got pity (which I didn’t want) or people avoided me as if the injury was contagious. For a while I simply told people "I’m retired." That worked better, but since I’m only 44, people assumed I had lots of money and wanted to know my secrets to great wealth. When I tell them that I write they want to know if I’ve written a best seller. If not they want to know what I do for a "real job". If instead I tell them I minister to people, I get one of three responses -"Yes, but what do you DO?" -"Oh you’re a pastor then?" and when I say no, it confuses them. -They get suddenly reverent and serious so that they can impress the "minister". I haven’t yet figured out the perfect answer to this question. Over the years I’ve learned that this question helps people categorize me into a nice neat little pigeonhole and allows them to make judgements on my social status, integrity, intelligence and other aspects of my life. It is a polite way of asking, "Who are you?" Do you categorize people by occupation or appearance? My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:1-4 NIV Jesus was different; he seemed to want to know more about someone’s heart than what they did. He had no problems in associating with people that others wanted nothing to do with. Even His disciples included zealots (today we’d call the terrorists or freedom fighters) and tax collectors (in those days a very dishonourable profession). I don’t recall Him ever asking anyone what he or she did for a living. Perhaps we ought to follow His example and look to people’s hearts. Until next time, may you see people as Jesus sees them and your heart go out to them. God bless. Kevin Have you been categorized and labelled your whole life? Jesus will love you and accept you where you are, without labels. Email me and I’ll share some Bible verses that explain why a personal relationship with Jesus is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. Or simply begin the relationship by saying a prayer along the lines of: Dear God: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord. Amen If you pray this prayer let me know and I will direct you to some free non-denominational resources that will help you grow in that newfound relationship. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak Street Sherwood Park, AB Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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