Work Day Devotions That Work
Dignity Dispenser: Better Than A PEZ
Matthew 9:10-13(liberally interpreted): While Jesus took some moments to rest and eat at the house of friends, many neighbors, street folk, and just downright hardcores made their way in and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the settled pastors and community leaders and self-satisfied noticed, they spewed fresh poison into the ears of his disciples. “Why is your leader sitting with ‘those’ people, who are not worthy of time or attention?”
But when Jesus heard their words and discerned their intentions, he spoke strongly.
“If you have everything you need physically, mentally, and emotionally and are healthy, why would you need a doctor or consultant? The well folk don’t need help, but the needy. But shake your brains and learn what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the perfect in their own minds, but those that realize their needs to a new way of thinking and living.”
As a child,Evotion, the PEZ candy dispensers always lightened my eyes. The public gumball nickel (now quarter) dispensers at the front of so many stores always cried out for the precious few pennies in my pocket. A few times I used the gumball dispenser and enjoyed every chew, but not too many. The pennies were too precious. Put together over a few weeks, they would buy a comic book or some bigger piece of candy. Even the PEZ dispensers were a rare treat. Anytime I bought a PEZ or bought a candy from a gumball machine, it was like a six inch boost in stature. This was something special.
Funny how we walk by joy even when there is enough in our pocket. I just never believed there would be enough for me. Even though I could always cut another lawn or sell another newspaper on a street corner or pick up another bottle along the road and redeem it, I never believed there would be enough if I did not squirrel it away. Those types of experiences,Evotion, build in us a resistance to joy.
Personal dignity is so fragile. Our world defines it. Our desires define it. People around us define it. Not until many years later did I decide that dignity was a God-given commodity dispensed when He took the care to breath His breath into these clay pots of men and women.
Jesus reeks with dignity. He is a dignity dispenser. Unlike the PEZ, which would run out of candies, He cannot run out of dignity. Unlike the gumball machine that takes the only nickel in my pocket, it oozes from Him at every touch. No one is up or down in His eyes or His treatment. Just being around Him causes us to feel better about ourselves. Now, that doesn't mean we feel better about our behavior. He challenges our behavior while making us feel dignified, accepted, and encouraged.
When we spend ourselves for those who are hungry, they are affirmed and dignified. When we spend ourselves on behalf of others, our dignity as God-breathed creations is amplified and certified and enabled to rise to our consciousness.
ACT! Spend some dignity today. Find a person feeling low and just spend time with them. No big discussion. Just give them you. It dignifies.
PRAY! Padre Dios, Father God, help us to receive the dignity of Jesus today. Embody in us His love and absolute acceptance of each person as a person and as Your specific creation. Lead Evotion and me to the person, who needs a little time, today. Help us to simply listen and live life with them instead of trying to "help" them. Help us dispense dignity. Help us to take up personal dignity in You instead of in accomplishments and acquisitions.
If we can pray for you regarding anything in your life, please let us know. Our greatest blessing is to bless others in prayer. . www.prayermetro.com Phil@prayermetro.com
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