Rise…Sir Jagger?
Recently, I returned to my labor of love other wise know as my book about fathering. I had put it aside for many reasons, none of them good, when the Father moved on my heart to finish the project. My goal is to finish the final edits by the end of October…yikes! So, I wanted to share another small snippet (aren’t they all small?) from my book RETOOLED: Shaping Your Fathering From The Inside Out. It’s from the chapter on faithfulness, I hope it speaks to you today.
I would love feedback! Blessings, Jay
Rise Sir…Jagger?
I’m not how many of you are aware of this…Queen Elizabeth II, the current reigning monarch of the United Kingdom has a curious and traditional title. Her Royal Majesty is known as the “Fountain of Honour”, a position that gives her the authority of presenting—on worthy individuals—titles and awards, such as knighthoods. She can appoint 1000 of these “knights” a year usually from recommendations of the Prime Minister (or other Government officials). Knighting people, keeps the Queen hopping.
Some of these knightly awards have just as curious titles—here are two of my favorites. First, there is the “The Most Noble Order of the Garter”, which I’m guessing that if you’re employed in the garment industry, bodes well for you. Second on my list is “The Most Ancient and Noble Order of (and I kid you not) the Thistle!” I never imagined the thistle was so noble but only 16 individuals each year may receive this particular honor, all of which must be Scottish. So all you Scottish gardeners out there, keep up the good work, there could be a knighthood in your future.
The fact the Queen has this power is a little unsettling to me, especially when I think of some of her choices for the honor of knighthood. A few years ago, Rolling Stones star Mick Jagger received the distinction of becoming Sir Jagger during the Queens Birthday celebration. I wonder if Her Majesty’s honor fountain went a little dry that day. Or perhaps someone spiked the royal birthday punch during the party. That could explain how the then 58 year-old rocker became a knight even despite the controversy raised because of his rather tarnished reputation. Womanizing and drugs usually don’t look good on the old knight application but hey; he wrote some cool songs, so let’s make him a knight! Sarcasm aside, Mr. Jagger, delighted at his appointment, deflected the criticism with some interesting quotes. A, “hey you get off my cloud” response. (Sorry, couldn’t resist)
“I'm delighted. I never expected to get a knighthood. You think 'This is great' and then are very surprised, thinking 'Why is this?” Sir Jagger continued: "Whether I deserve one or not is not my place. I'm happy to get one. It's great recognition of what the band's achievements have been.”
“I think the thing about honours is that you should never ask for them and you should never expect them, but I think you should accept them if they're given to you.”
That quote got me thinking, although one may doubt the sincerity of his words, Mister Jagger expressed something of great value. As unlikely as Mick Jagger was a choice for knighthood—even more so are we to be his God’s children. Yet the titles of sons and daughters are ours! These are undeserved honors, not earned, not based on reputation, or on merit, given only because of His faithful love for us.
“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18
This title of son is a huge gift, to question its value or my value because of this great gift diminishes the honor given to me. To wonder whether I deserve it or not, is unhealthy, as an adopted son I am accepted and welcomed into God’s Kingdom. My response should be something like Mick’s answer, not questioning the tribute but accepting it, humbly of course. The title takes me to a completely new level of relationship. I am no longer a slave but a son, with rights and responsibilities that aligns my heart with Father God.
In 1st Thessalonians there is a pretty good job description for a faithful son.
(5) “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. (6) So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.”
So, if not like others, how should we be?
(16) Be joyful always; (17) pray continually; (18) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
A great recipe for faithfulness, don’t you think?
Image via Wikipedia
Comments
Looking forward to reading more Jay. When it's finished, I am going to want an autographed copy... I need to be able to say, I knew you when... :)
What is God's will for my life? Seems like such a profound question that deserves a profound answer. But you show how Paul presented the simple recipe of faithfulness and God's daily will for us in 1 Thes 5:16-18. Awesome.
Jay, I want your book.
Thanks Bro'