What's on the inside and titles

It really is what's on the inside that counts.

Some people hide behind their looks.  Expecting their looks to carry them through life.

Others hide behind their titles and positions.  "I'm the boss around here," some say.

If you have to say, "you are the boss around here," you are not the boss around here.

Others still hide behind their heritage.  Who their parents are.  Their last name.

Ron Artest is a player for the Los Angeles Lakers (and is famous for a fight he participated in while a members of the Indiana Pacers).

He recently changed his name to, "Metta World Peace."

Just this past week he nearly took an opposing player's head off with an elbow to the head.

He has been suspended for up to six playoff games.

Somehow calling  yourself, "World Peace" and decking an unsuspecting player with a flagrant elbow to the head are not consistent.

It is what is on the inside.

That's one of the reasons I tell people I am just a middle-aged, over weight white guy trying to get to heaven.  That's who I am.  The position of pastor is what I do. 

Some pastors insist on being called by their title.  By their position.  They hide behind their titles as if that is what is going to bring them respect.

Insisting on being called "pastor" is placing myself in a position of having to live up to something I really can't aspire to - complete perfection and holiness in the eyes of some people who have expectation levels beyond what is humanly possible.

It really is what is on the inside that counts.

Just some thoughts for a Wednesday.