The only one wearing a King’s crown is King Jesus but the church is in the world and we act like the world by elevating some and diminishing others. The reason Dr Suess made the Grinch green is because the Grinch steals Christmas. He is missing all of the joy. He is missing it so if he’s not happy, then no one should be happy. It is jealousy. He is jealous all of the way to the end of the story when he sees the true value of Christmas. The villagers are happy even with the missing presents and special meal. I’m doing a bah humbug in this blog because I have never been church royalty. What’s funny is that I have never made it a goal but I also know how happy recognition makes us all. If you sometimes feel inferior – who doesn’t – recognition in the church can feel validating. My dad was not an elder. My mom and my two sisters attended church faithfully. Because dad had a side gig, he made Sunday work a priority. We went to Sunday school, church, and evening services. Then there was youth group as a teen. Then I went to Bible College and loved God’s word. I felt like I belonged and that led to some leadership. Next I married and, eventually, moved states. That can feel like a fresh beginning but not in my case. The husband was like my dad only worse. Tennis took the place of accompanying our family to church. It is an unusual parallel, but when I was in junior high my dad started to be more diligent. Likewise, when my children were the same age. It is as if God managed a surge in faith for these two men to benefit their children. Thank you Lord as I know it made a difference. This is not a story of church royalty.
Fast forward to special events for widows. They had a Christmas tea and will have a special New Years party. Also, a mechanics ministry. If your husband or wife died I am sorry. A widow keeps her self esteem and all of the money. The Divorced person has a “D” on her/his forehead, loses confidence, and retains half the money. Who has the greater need? I can’t say for certain but this is another simple math story problem. When a car breaks, if a husband broke his promises, how does that disqualify a person from assistance? I sound bitter but it’s not just about me. I’ve grown a pretty thick skin and can afford car repairs. That will not always be the case. I am definitely not church royalty.
Then I start noticing that only men are asked to pray on Tuesdays. My friend was filmed for announcements on the big screen. Nothing wrong with this. She is sweet and beautiful. Probably wealthy and with children marrying pastors. That is a sign of church royalty. My daughter was in ministry then married a pastor. I think I refer to them, sometimes, so I am taken more seriously (as if I am somebody because of their faith). Shame on me. My son’s family is very respected and they serve as well. Maybe I am status conscience because I’m on my own. I have the usual amount of failure in my life but I am equal in faith. My sins are covered and I am a princess in this Kingdom of God but not the kingdom of church. We can’t help ourselves. Judge me for the jealousy but not for the status as we are equals. Grace is given to the humble and I hope everyone I meet with on Sunday will be in Heaven. Truth be told, looking right does not make us believers. This is between me and God and I do wear a little crown.