Trinity 16
Collect
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever,
James 3: 1-12 – Taming the Tongue
Mark 8: 34 – 38
‘Let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’
Jesus makes it very clear that following him appears costly – if you measure it in human terms. The call to self-denial would seem to be the complete opposite of the animal instinct of survival of the fittest – that life is a competition for food, comfort and power that only the strongest can win. Although the proponents of what is called a ‘Prosperity Gospel’ would subscribe to such a way of life, it doesn’t look to be ‘self-denying’ – ‘self-important and self-centred’ would be closer to the case.
On the other hand, typically, as humans tend to do, the exercise of self-denial is often taken to the extreme, becoming self-punishment. Extended fasting, Hair shirts, self-mortification and suchlike are seen as ways to purge a sinful nature – the more self-deprived, the closer to God. Except that, in a way, that too can be equally self-centred – you might call it ‘competitive humility’.
I believe that what Jesus is asking is the recognition of equality with all His people – with the consequence that the needs of others are to be placed before ones own. Essentially, following Jesus – denying oneself – is living in servanthood. And true servanthood isn’t painful at all – it offers a different kind of life altogether, one I which the only ‘cost’ is a release from the constant (and ultimately unfulfillable) pressure to achieve ‘success’ in an increasingly material and competitive world.
History from the dawn of time proves that victory is impossible to achieve through force and domination over others. Perhaps it is time for the world to try Servant Love – love of our neighbour, whoever she or he may be. After all, that’s what Jesus asks of us – the reward being a closer walk with Him.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 10th August 2025
And while we think of the things we value most, do we remember that we are of such value to God, that His Son was prepared to go into the flames for us?
Praying Together 27th July 2025
In a word, it is all prayer, a rich sequence, choreographed in different moments of gathering, praise, listening and communion.
Praying Together 20th July 2025
Jesus comes to us in many ways and with many faces. Are we aware we may ‘entertain Angels without knowing it?
Praying Together 13th July 2025
May we never miss meeting your gaze,
in the eyes of our sibling, the stranger.
Praying Together 6th July 2025
Always remember that ‘success’ is simply doing His will – it’s not necessarily achieving the outcome we would ourselves consider to be ‘successful’. Leave that definition with Him.
Praying Together 29th June 2025
Jesus is looking for commitment. Absolute, unconditional, commitment. When I think of what that means, I’m always minded of Martina Navratilova’s remark: “The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.”
Praying Together 22nd June 2025
As Christians, may we never regard mercy and compassion towards others as weakness, naivety or gullibility, but display the traits which demonstrate that we follow a Saviour who came to rescue those left behind.
Praying Together 15th June 2025
You couldn’t fly a kite inside a church building –for the Kite to fly you’d have to go into the windy street outside. Where does that place the need for the Spirit to act?
Praying Together 8 June 2025
Of all the strange things happening on the Day of Pentecost, perhaps the most puzzling is when God appears to have second thoughts. In Genesis 11, He makes it difficult for people to understand each other’s language
Praying Together 1st June 2025
The song by Mary Black, ‘Bless the Road’, while written as from a parent whose child is leaving home alone for the first time – maybe first day at primary school, going to college, beginning an independent life – always puts me in mind of the thoughts and blessing of Jesus as He prays for His disciples before His Ascension.
Praying Together 25th May 2025
‘Peace I give to you… do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.’
His peace is not remote and only there at the end of things – His Peace is with us now.
Praying Together 18th May 2025
So the commandment is a challenge. To love those who betray you. Those who jeer. Those who wield the whips embedded with flint, hammer in the nails, pierce your side.