are spectators/observers, and the unhappiest are gladiators, on the field of battle, competitors, judges, with the weight of the world on our shoulders, alone, fighting for survival/worthiness/somebodiness. Fighting requires human-wisdom-dependency, so we know what's best/worst. Can't fight if we don't KNOW. Gladiators have human-wisdom galore, so we're great at judging -- ourselves and others. Judging everyone and everything robs us of the joy and peace experienced by spectators/observers -- who are curious/expectant to see what Jesus does NEXT, in them, others, circumstances. Spectators are watch-it-happen kinda people -- Jesus-dependents. Gladiators are make-it-happen kinda people -- human-wisdom-dependents. Spectators are not fans -- have no ownership for outcomes, because they don't know what's best, but trust that Jesus does, and will deliver the best. The prayer goal of spectators is thanking. The prayer goal of gladiators is getting Jesus to bless our agenda. Spectators enjoy everyone just as we are, and everything just as it is. Spectators are easy to love, even by seculars. Gladiators, not so much -- but are high achievers. Martha was a high achiever. Mary, not so much.
"And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor." Eccl 4:4
So what can we gladiators do each time we are made aware of our human-wisdom-dependency? CONFESS. Spectators get no credit/glory for being spectators. And it doesn't last long, because human-wisdom comes at us from every direction.
-- Dave McCarty, GospelFriendships, freshly grateful that grace is for failures
To receive my Tuesday posts, email me, or subscribe to my blog: dumbsheepdave.com