One issue I struggle with is that of becoming an asshole...I
mean, more of an asshole. I'm embarking on starting an "emerging
church" in Denver (eventually) and am wondering how I might keep from
thinking I'm some sort of ecclesiastical rock star. God has given me some
very public gifts for ministry, great. I find myself simultaneously
craving and repulsed by people's praise of my gifts. This morning I
stumbled on Brother Martin's (Luther)thoughts on this matter from his
"Preface to the Wittenburg edition" (1539 ce) He's brilliant,
self-effacing, and funny as hell:
If, however, you feel that you are inclined to think you
have "made it", flattering yourself with your own little books,
teaching, or writing, because you have done it beautifully and preached excellently;
if you are highly pleased when someone praises you in the presence of others;
if you perhaps look for praise, and would sulk or quit what you are doing if
you do not get it - if you are of that stripe, dear friend, then take yourself
by the ears, and if you do this in the right way you will find a beautiful pair
of big, long, shaggy donkey ears. Then do not spare any expense!
Decorate them with golden bells, so that people will be able to hear you
wherever you go, point their fingers at you, and say, "See, See! There
goes that clever beast, who can write such exquisite books and preach so
remarkably well."
A prayer for today:
Dear God,
Thank you for my gifts. May they always be used to point to you and not
to myself. I understand this is not likely to happen, but perhaps with
your help I might be less of an asshole.
In Jesus' name,
AMEN
Luther also refer to us as snow covered dung. Look nice but smells like well you know
Posted by: rich | September 11, 2006 at 02:43 PM
great post sister. if we all only struggled with this a bit more.
Posted by: Swandive | September 13, 2006 at 01:48 PM
Hi, Nadia! We shared a worship class this summer. Laughed my "ass" off at your post as I spent too much of the week agonizing over my first sermon to be preached this Sunday at my internship site. Way too much. Thanks.
Posted by: Lynn | September 14, 2006 at 07:13 PM
Lynn,
welcome. may the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart be acceptable in God's sight. you'll do great. just preach christ sister, and forget the rest.
nadia
Posted by: Nadia | September 15, 2006 at 05:33 AM
I sometimes resemble your, and Martin's, remarks.:-(
Posted by: LutheranChik | September 21, 2006 at 07:24 AM
What a great blog! I'm not sure how I found it, to be honest. I don't think I was googling "ass," but I have a horrible short-term memory. Good luck--or whatever the Emergent-Lutheran equivalent would be--with the church plant. I'd go if I lived in Denver.
Posted by: Dave | September 22, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Hi Nadia,
I stumbled across your blog randomly, but I love your prayers and find them really helpful. I think the "I will not be a bitch" one is the funniest, but perhaps this one is the most applicable.
Incidentally, is there any chance that you might add this one to your prayer label/tag? You don't seem to have included it for some reason.
Thanks for your honesty.
Matt Page
Posted by: MattPage | August 23, 2010 at 08:24 AM