trying to keep up: reflections on Luke 9:46-48

I’m not sure how your Sunday school experience was or even if you had one. But, much of mine was discussing how naive Jesus’ disciples were and how much they screwed up. In Luke 9: 46-48 the disciples are having an argument over who is the greatest among them. Jesus goes up to the disciples in response to their discussion and says, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest."

It’s an interesting concept that non-Christians and Christians alike are not good at. People are constantly trying to “keep up with the Joneses”. In the workplace, with our friends, and at church: people seem to want to be the greatest. It happens in conversations and discussions. It happens at the mall each day and walking down Michigan Avenue. In an era of blue jeans and sweat pants why do people have to dress up to go to the mall?

I’m not pointing fingers here. No one wants to be the person with the 10 inch television, the mom that drives the 1988 minivan to their kid’s soccer game, or the guy that can’t afford to go to a baseball game with his buddies. There even seems to be a trend to be the most ‘humble’. Who can be the most green, the most fuel-efficient, or the person who is living the most simply?

And what about ego? In a world with endless technology and news: people are trying to be the worldliest, most informed, and smartest people around.

I’m not saying to not have materials, to not care about the earth, or to be dumb. But, what is dictating our thoughts or our will to do the things we do? Is it to have more, be better, or just because you can? Is it to say I have done this, seen this, and have this? Are we doing it out of love, compassion, or mercy? In an argument of who is the greatest are we welcoming the little child that Jesus has called us to?

Recommended books:
Green With Envy by Shira Boss
Affluenza by de Graaf, Wann, Naylor, and Robin,
Colossians Remixed by Walsh and Keesmaat
Rich Christians in the Age of Hunger by Ronald Sider
Unfettered Hope by Marva Dawn