Living in the Spirit
August 27, 2016

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14

When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ –Luke 14:7-11

Who created pecking orders? Since this descriptive word derives from chickens, one might assume it is naturally occurring as it seems to be present in all animals, including humans. The correct term for pecking order is dominance hierarchy. Hens peck; roosters most often use their claws. Did God create pecking orders? Does God intend for humans to control their urge to revert to nature or as Jesus urges in our scripture today are we to order our lives through love?

I have lived in urban areas twice as long as I lived on a farm, but I still remember chicken behavior. Placed in charge of chickens at the age of five, I fed and watered the animals, gathered their eggs, and locked the door to their house each evening to protect them from coyotes and other animals. I took over the job from my sister who was afraid of chickens, but at the age of 7 could graduate to milking cows. I have been pecked and spurred by hens and roosters and can assure you both are most primitive ways of solving problems.

It is funny what we humans deem to be important. Why do we need external validation of who we are? Why are we not able to acknowledge our innate worth in being children of God? Both low self-esteem and pride are stumbling blocks to our fulfillment of God’s call to service.

Prayer: Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground*. Amen.

*Chorus to Higher Ground words by Johnson Oatman, Jr. See at http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Higher_Ground/

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.