RESPECTING RANKS

DAY 3

In certain spheres of life, rank is a big deal. The military is the clearest example of such a field of endeavour where insubordination is frowned upon such that often, even regardless of the circumstances, you are to obey the ranks.

John’s description of Jesus in today’s Gospel is rather telling:

This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me" (John 1:30)

Across many dimensions, a higher rank signifies more responsibility as well as a more varied and rich practical experience in the area. A higher ranking also confers greater authority. In the ideal sense therefore, whoever outranks you is to be respected, if for nothing, for the price they have paid to qualify for that rank.

But the reality is this, many do not respect ‘ranks’. Some see it as oppressive and restrictive, suggesting that we are all equal. But the truth is equality in Christ does not necessarily equate to equality in gifts and faith, because these are given in measure.

Beloved, it takes a certain kind of humility to admit that you are outranked, outskilled or outgunned. This is a requirement for maturing – to acknowledge when you have to respect the graces and dimensions in life and in God that others carry because only then can those graces truly bless you.

#sly