Competition in the marketplace is called the Rat Race. To get ahead, people at times ruthlessly promote their own agenda. They are willing to knock someone else down so they can further themselves. Winners sacrifice much to move ahead, receive promotions, obtain financial benefits and gain notoriety. The benefits of winning can be spectacular, but the costs can also be great. Families and relationships are set aside, personal health and well-being suffer, losses mount, and emotions become frayed.
Not everyone gets entangled in the Rat Race. Some are able to mitigate the dangers by calling on inward strength and resolve. Sure, they may not rise as fast or as far, but their rewards are certain and everlasting. For these people, families and relationships thrive, stress related health concerns decrease, their outlook is positive and hopeful, and they don’t lose the things that are really important to them.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek,for they shall inherit the earth.” So according to Jesus, gentleness and humility bring great rewards. This thought is contrary to our culture’s belief, that to get what you want you need to assert yourself and your agenda. However, Jesus says that greater benefits are obtained by considering others as more important than our agendas. Treating others with respect and care will assist us receive inner peace and joy.
Since none of us are naturally gentle and humble, we need to find a supply of these qualities elsewhere. Jesus said that He is gentle and lowly. However, He is more than a model to imitate. He wants to be the source of gentleness and humility in our lives. To receive these blessings from Jesus, we need to humble ourselves before Him by acknowledging our failures and trusting Him to change us.
Reluctant Retiree 