Who Is Really Important?

In 1997 two celebrities died just six days apart—Princess Diana and Mother Teresa. While both were acquainted with each other and known to the public one’s death way overshadowed the other. The Princess of Wales always stole the media limelight standing tall and beautiful; the missionary however remained in obscurity appearing short and simple. The first championed as a reformer of society; the second a mere missionary to the poor. Both made their mark in history, but if you measured the importance of one against the other according to television coverage the Princess far exceeded the humble Mother of Calcutta. At the time of their deaths, the Networks spent days highlighting the accomplishments of England’s lady of charm while little was said of India’s saint. So, “Who was the most important?” I would like to think we finite humans have the ability to answer such a question but I know the decision can only be found in a wisdom that reaches far beyond us. Such can only be revealed by the One who is omniscient; the One who sees the true depth, height, and breadth of a person’s influence. He sees what we do not see and knows what we do not know. I think this becomes evident in the experience of the disciples. The account comes to us in the book of Mark.  “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. Teacher,” they said, “We want you to do us a favor.”  “What is your request?” he asked.  They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” But Jesus said to them…. I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” James and John thought they were the evident choice, yet Jesus was quick to point out that God has left that decision to Himself.  That means those who have status and live lives of grandeur may very well be overlooked while the simple will be chosen to take the seat of importance. The message here is you can never underestimate your individual worth. You may consider yourself to be inadequate having accomplished very little. The media may avoid you and the world dismiss you; but you may be the one the King of heaven and earth selects to take the seat by His side. You may be the one God chooses to crown with the crown of importance.