While I enjoy a good piece of pie just like anyone else, this one is a little harder to swallow. Perhaps it's because of the knowledge that I can't take credit for baking the pie--instead I am just the server. Oh, but what a beautiful presentation was displayed while serving it to patrons, though -- the finest china with the shiniest fork and a beautiful cloth napkin and topped off with a little bit of homemade ice cream -- you know what I am talking about and your mouth is watering, right?
No matter how perfect the place setting or how flawless the service or how delicious the pie, I simply cannot take credit for being The Baker. I'm reminded of that the moment the delicious, still-fresh-from-the-oven piece of pie enters my mouth and I burn my tongue on the hot fruit. If you have ever experienced a burnt tongue, you know that sting remains for a while, therefore taking away the pleasure from enjoying a piece of delicious homemade pie.
It's a tough lesson to learn. We as Christians are here to serve, just as Jesus served, but we simply cannot take the credit for WHAT we are serving. By doing so, we rob The Baker of the credit AND the glory that is due to Him and we risk the sting of burnt tongues. Give credit where and to who credit is due and when all is said and done and your servant duties are completed, quietly and humbly enjoy your delicious pie, giving thanks to The Baker.
In the meantime, I'll take a piece to go, please. One cannot have too much humble pie.
Romans 1:5 ... "I do this work for Christ."