Emphasis Preaching Journal

Televangelist Robert Schuller sought special perks at the airport and got in a dispute with a male United Airlines flight attendant resulting in misdemeanor assault charges. During an appearance in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Schuller pleaded innocent to the charges, yet publicly apologized for the incident. He agreed to enter an informal supervision program which required him to check with authorities by phone or mail for six months. He also agreed to pay a 1,100 dollar fine to the Federal Aviation Administration for delays and disruptions to other passengers on the flight. We are anxious about our value as persons. That anxiety may cause us to demonstrate our value by trying to be better than others. How one defines "better" does not really matter. It can mean having more money, a bigger house, a higher office, more friends, or "perks" at an airport. We are usually quite willing to accept whatever rating system society proposes if it gives us a chance to prove ourselves. Even the followers of Jesus joined in the game. James and John asked Jesus for the best seats in the house -- at his right hand and left hand. They wanted to receive a higher status than the other disciples. It was important for them to show that they ranked better in the pecking order than Thaddaeus or Bartholomew. It is a very widespread human game.
-- Van Der Wall