Week 8
Contempt
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”
Mark 6:4
Contempt, according to the Free Dictionary, is “the attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, worthless, or despicable.” Jesus was held in contempt by his own circle, being rejected and disrespected. Unfortunately, contempt is prevalent in our families, communities, and churches. We sometimes treat our parents with contempt because they do not speak English. We also sometimes treat our children with contempt because they do not fit our Karen cultural mold. We even contemptuously disqualify some people that God chooses to use in our churches. One contemptuous comment I sometimes hear in the community is, “I just don’t want to associate myself with the Karen churches or communities.” Surely, Karen churches have issues, but which church does not? Contempt stems from pride and a sole focus on someone’s weaknesses. Contempt destroys relationships and constructs a false sense of superiority. But the scripture admonishes us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3).
Dear God, please protect us from the pollution of contempt in our families, churches, and communities. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.