Who are You?

Three times during this past week I made purchases. As I finished the transaction I was asked to participate in an evaluation of the one assisting me. Each said the evaluation would come in a few days. Two pointed out that the evaluation would be a reflection on them personally. These two salespersons asked me outright to give them "10's." Anything less would be a reflection on them personally.

The evaluations have not yet arrived. So I have some more time to think about it. I certainly don't want to cause any problems as both really were helpful. Eagerly and genuinely helpful. However, I am stubborn enough that I don't really care for persons suggesting how I should respond. I wanted to ask them to please rate themselves - my own version of "Who do you say you are?" (See John passage to the right of this entry.)

I wonder if our governor might attempt the same approach - "please give me all "10's." Apparently his approval rating has slipped to 4%. Trust is broken. As more information comes out, many citizen's of the state are likely asking, "Who are you?" or with more attitude "Who, in the world, do you think you are?"

John the Baptist might well have taken advantage of the opportunity to answer differently when questioned by the priests and Levites. "Are you the Messiah?" "No." "Are you Elijah?" "No." "Are you the prophet?" "No." John knew who he was and who he was not - he was the one preparing a way in the wilderness. His life pointed to Jesus, the Light of the World. In a land of deep darkness, a light has shined.

The ministry we share is one of pointing to Christ. We may be evaluated by others, but what may be most important, is that we know who we are and whose we are. The Messiah? No. But we are "God-bearers" in the world.