By Steve Haarman
Today there are five basic needs. They are
the “feeling of Belonging”, the ”Opportunity
to do things helpful to others”, “Security”,
“Accomplishment” and “Recognition”.
If we have these, then we can get along well
in our lives. There are modifiers such as normal,
respectful, humble, sharing, consideration, and
example. It is difficult to stay on the straight
and narrow. Matthew tells us that the scribes
and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the
chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all
things whatsoever they tell you, but do not
follow their example. For they preach but
they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens
that are hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen
their tassels. They love places of honor at
banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation
“Rabbi”. You have but one teacher, and you
are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called Master; you have but one master,
the Christ. The greatest among you must be your
servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
These are powerful words, but if followed will
bring great joy to your lives. The master bore
His cross, but what we are asked is nothing
compared to that. However, we must earn
our reward and happiness while being grateful.
Stanski
March 7, 2023, ^
Steve Haarman 