that's not fair

Lewis points out a ridiculous argument today in A Year with C.S. Lewis.

He tells us about people who complain that Jesus had an unfair advantage because He was God. This seems like a mind blowing argument, until you look at the REASON someone would say this. And then, I think, we can all relate.

The person who made such a claim seems, in my estimation, to be trying to compete with Jesus. If you're drowning, and you won't let someone save you because they're a better swimmer, or as Lewis says, because they have one foot on the shore, then clearly you're comparing yourself to the rescuer and rejecting them because you think it makes you seem weak.

If you look at all of the reasons mentioned in the previous paragraph, it becomes clear that this is an argument of pride. We don't want to appear weak. We don't want to admit we need help. We don't want to seem like we're less able to be good than Jesus was. We are trying to compete with Him.

That's where the admonition by Jesus to become like little children becomes so helpful. We have to lose that pride. We have to humble ourselves and admit that we DO need help. We have to realize that we are not capable of rescuing ourselves. Once we're there, we are in the perfect position to accept the salvation that He so freely gives us.

Do you find yourself competing today? Ask Him to show you how to let go of that pride, and like little children, to accept the help that we all so desperately need.

Thank You, God, for helping us accept Your help.