The Chair

Mother Teresa was invited to the White House for Dinner on numerous occasions and by multiple Presidents, but there was a prayer breakfast that she went to once that really impacted me when I heard about it. She was invited this time by former President Bill Clinton. There were quite a few people in attendance so obviously there were seating arrangements for all of the guests. Mother Teresa's seating assignment was right up front by the President himself. Like you would seat someone with her resume anywhere else. So the band is gearing up to play and meal is very close to being served and the President and everyone else are turning their heads to see if they can locate Mother Teresa, who has seemingly disappeared. When she was finally located, she was in the kitchen talking to the cooks and eating her meal with the wait staff. Here is the guest of honor with a chair at the breakfast table next to the most powerful person in the most powerful county on the entire planet, and she passed on the chair so she could be a blessing to others.
Most people would love the recognition that chair would bring. After all, it would feel pretty amazing wouldn't it? If I am being honest, I would have to say that my rear end would have been planted in that chair, enjoying the spotlight and the recognition and waiting for my grits and bacon.
But doesn't Jesus call us to leave the chair?
It's hard to leave that chair. It's comfortable and the spotlight is warm.
But Jesus tells us to leave the chair. Why?
Because it's not about us.
It's about Him.
He even tells us in Matthew 6 that if we are not careful, and we seek after rewards from people for our good works, that He will have no need to reward us later.
Would you rather be recognized temporarily by your peers or recognized in eternity by God?
Two things are for sure.
1.) There is always someone who deserves that chair more than you, and
2.) You can't be a blessing to someone else if your rear end is parked in the stinkin' chair.