Is your Glass half full or half empty?

Jesus says in Mark 9:41 “For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.”

 Sometimes you hear the phrase are you a glass half full person or a glass half empty person? Except what defines the criteria to place a person into either category.

 In the Gospel story the disciples were alarmed that someone was performing miracles in Jesus’ name yet wasn’t affiliated with their group. Occasionally such piety can affect our judgement in they way we perceive events regardless of positive or negative outcomes. For example, some people strongly adhere to (like the disciples) that certain incidents must follow a stringent procedure undertaken by the directions of the authority. (Jesus) However I believe this restricts them in achieving positive outcomes that can be supported by all and also from being opened to further possibilities. Hence the call for change to doing things in many ways (glass half full) not just one way. (glass half empty)

Consequently, a glass half full person is open to optimism and expects to succeed in everything they put their hand to. They take risks and will put themselves on the line to achieve their goals. In contrast a glass half empty person takes comfort in having to follow rules and regulations and points to them when they fail to flourish. Furthermore they make judgements on those people that don’t subscribe to the way they think and act. As Jesus said, Mark 9:40, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” A declaration for all glass full disciples.

Whoever wants to be First must be Last

Ever wanted to be first in the queue rather than wait in long line for what seems forever to get served? Sometimes I get agitated and annoyed and lose my patience all because I can’t be bothered waiting. However then I realise this is only a miniscule moment in my life there are more important things in my life to worry about.

 In Mark’s Gospel Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” My response to Jesus’ words is these if you want to be first you must accept the responsibility that goes with that. Furthermore you must use whatever it took to get you to that first position for example, your own gifts and talents to benefit others. Thus, not to be filled with your own self-importance or stroke a massive ego but ignite a desire to serve all.

Remember not everyone can finish first but we can all contribute to someone else finishing first even if it means we finish last. Surely that is living the Gospel.