17 April | Youth
«I do not receive honor from men.» John 5:41, NLT
A while ago I (Júlio) watched a video of a girl who sang very well. There was nothing special about her appearance: ordinary clothes, a simple hairstyle and, on her face, a pair of glasses. Then she started singing a song by one of my favorite singers, Betty Souza. The girl let out her voice in a way that would have made Betty's jaw drop. It was amazing! And it could have ended there. However, before concluding, she decides to leave a “strange message”: “So-and-so, you said I could not sing. How about now?!” Message given. I was the one whose jaw dropped.
Singers and artists often have a reputation for being snobbish. I do not think it is the majority, but it happens. This got much worse after the internet, YouTube and social networks. It is not immoral to take advantage of your own talent, but is it always legitimate to do so? Let us take Jesus as a reference. How did He use the “powers” He had? Was it to promote Himself? Or to help and bless others? When using the talents they have, each person needs to decide who will be at the center: human beings or the divine Being.
In this sense, there are two extremes that you should avoid: that of self-exaltation and that of omission. Christ taught us the right way to shine for God (Matt 5:16). He showed that we should pay attention to crowds of one spectator, as He did with Zacchaeus, Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman and others. And also, how to deal with larger groups, like those in the Sermon on the Mount and the multiplication of the loaves. He teaches us how to act in the face of anonymity and popularity, and in the face of fierce criticism and unmeasured praise. Jesus did not let himself be carried away by what people said but was guided by a sense of mission.
We, however, engage in an internal struggle when we work for the benefit of others. We do not like to plant for others to harvest, nor do we accept being inferior or ignored by others! Our ego will not let us. However, being firm and selfless like Jesus is the only way to become true Christians. Therefore, do not accept provocations from anyone. Do not give in to outside pressure. Do not lose sight of Jesus. He is the only Way. Everything else is a shortcut. Move forward by faith. If you stay focused, the Lord will reward you!