Seeing Others Through Grace
A story is told about Secretary of State Colin Powell and the way he challenged young leaders. In conversations with White House interns, he would ask a simple question: “What is the name of the custodian who cleans the Oval Office?”
Most of the interns had no idea. But his point was simple: How we view people who cannot advance our careers or increase our status says a great deal about who we are. If we fail to value others, or worse, begin to believe they are beneath us, it will profoundly affect who we are as leaders and as people.
That helps us understand the apparent paradox in Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:12: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus’ words lead us to reevaluate how we view ourselves and others.
For those of us who have grown up in the church, a familiar answer about who we are is, “I am a child of God.” That is wonderfully true. But remember how we became his children. We were outsiders whom God graciously brought into his family. There is no room for arrogance or for looking down on others when we realize that we are children of God only because he made us his own by grace.
At the same time, that truth gives us tremendous confidence and security. Our worth does not depend on status, success, recognition, or what others think of us. Our identity rests in what God has done for us in Christ.
Colin Powell was a four-star general and a high-ranking government official, yet the point of his question was that the work of a custodian mattered too. The Oval Office could reflect dignity and professionalism because someone faithfully did work that most people would never notice.
But Jesus gives us an infinitely greater example. He is the Son of God, yet he humbled himself and became one of us. He took upon himself the blame for our sins and gave his life in exchange for ours.
When you remember who Jesus is and what he willingly did for you, it changes the way you see yourself. And it changes the way you see the people around you. You no longer need to lift yourself above anyone else. Secure in Christ, you are free to notice, value, and serve others with a humble heart.
Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your child by grace. Keep me from pride and from looking down on others. Secure in your love, help me reflect the humility of Jesus in the way I see and serve others. Amen.