We Are “gods”

We Are “gods”

Life is a mystery. Yet, in his own way, God never ceases to help us understand some of it. In today’s reflection, God reveled that we are “gods” with a small “g” since we are not equal to Him. As I reflected on this more deeply, the meaning became a little clearer to me. We are “gods” because in some shape or form, we have power and wield some form of authority at different stages of out lives.

 In the creation story in the book of Genesis, scripture tells us that it was only after the creation of humans on the 6^th day, that God “looked at everything he has created, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Another way to put it is that God was happy. The sort of excitement and feeling of deep satisfaction we most likely feel and exude at the accomplishment of any significant feat. We are the perfection of creation, in the eyes of God, nothing can compare with our worth. However, although we may be “good” as scriptures says, but God requires more than that, we need to take it from there. We need to maintain the godly quality God bestowed on us, so that God can “delight” in us. We need to perfect creation by affirming the work of God and reciprocate his love by taking pleasure in him, his plan for us and others, as we work towards the unity and oneness Jesus prayed for (John 17:21). One of our challenges as humans, is our inability to extend the euphoria God has for us to our dear brothers and sisters. But “how?’ Someone may ask. Well, anytime we act with love, mercy and justice towards others, we are demonstrating that we are “gods,” children of the most high (Psalm 82:6).

  

What are the attributes of God? God is kind, loving, merciful and compassionate. God forgives, heals, and transforms and so forth. Humans share in God’s creative nature. That is to say that we  have all been endowed with to some degree, all the attributes of God, for we have been made in the image and likeness of God (Matthew 1:27). Jesus showed us the way to the father and used several stories/parables to encourage us to follow in his footstep. “The one who showed mercy…” is the true neighbor. “Go and do the same.” (Luke 10:37), he taught. In this story of the good Samaritan, we learned that mercy and compassion are not options, but necessities. We are put into this world to see, feel, and act for the good of all our dear neighbors.

 So, we have all been gifted. Some people are rich wealth, others are famous, tall, intelligent, joyful are endowed with a great sense of humor, among other gifts. As I look at these gifts, it saddens me to realize that majority of us tend to believe that money is what matters the most. And I get it, everyone needs money. Money enables us to feed, pay our bills and get through in life. So yes, money is very important. However, we can live sustainable lives without hoarding money. The acquisition of wealth is not everyone’s gift, but the gift of  “daily bread” (has may prayed for (Mathew 6:11). Therefore, those blessed with the gift of wealth, have twice as much to answer before God if they act as “Gods.” Funny enough, scriptures even warns those who  desire wealth without a corresponding desire to be faithful to God (Proverbs 28:20), and I must add, faithful to the dispensation of wealth. Another way to look at this is that it is more important to be faithful that to be rich. Because those who seek the kingdom of God, those who give God his due will meet their daily needs and much more. (Matthew 6:33)

God is my brother and sister

As “gods,” it is important for Christians who have been blessed with wealth to be wise dispensers of God’s gifts. You may be telling yourself that you’ve earned your keep by working hard for what you have. But so have people who may have worked twice but have nothing to show for it. Poverty, pain, and suffering are challenges that will always be part of our global reality, but so is wealth. Unfortunately, instead of the wealth to continue to maintain their “kingly” positions at the Lord’s table (like king Darius) by inviting all the “Lazarusses”  around them, they have chosen the place of Lazarus on themselves on the last day.

 What is your gift? Perhaps the ability to give a listening ear? Radiate joy? Empathize with the suffering? Be a voice for the marginalized? Pray? …Yes, God sure got it covered, he did not miss a thing, we all have something. But when we fail to maximize the use of our gifts, again we are like kind Darius (Luke 16) or the rich fool (Luke 12). Have you discovered your gift? Now is the time to take a long and deep look at ourselves. We need to discover our own specific “godly” attribute, where should we invest most of our energy? Just as it is futile to hoard wealth (vanity of vanities), that is how useless it is to continue to spend sleepless nights dreaming for wealth while burying our own undiscovered talent(s) for which God will eventually hold us accountable  (Matthew 25:14–30).

The best way to prepare for Christmas and for Jesus’ return is to make his kingdom real, by using my gifts. God relies on us to make him real, known, so that where he has gone, he will also ensure that we join him. The measure of the “god” we are to our dear neighbors, (especially those who need us to validate them) is the same measure God will be for us when at last we shall “see him as he truly” (1 John 3:2).