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Once a pastor and a layperson visited a man who thought himself better than others due to his extensive education. The man showed the pastor and layperson all his degrees hanging on the wall. After leaving, the layperson seemed impressed with the man, due to his many degrees. The pastor spoke, “Friend, when you have ears to hear the bird in song, you no longer need to look at its credentials.”
The above story, adapted from Anthony DeMello, speaks of authenticity. The truly authentic life is self-validating. The authentic person has no need to impress; authenticity itself is impressive.
Question: Do you feel you need to impress with your credentials? Or, do you trust that your character and giftedness will speak for themselves? Explain.
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spiritual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, write Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at briankwilcox@comcast.net.
Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union, can be ordered through major bookdealers.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
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