Embarrassed

Everyone has 'my most embarrassing moment' stories to tell. There is nothing worse that being embarrassed in front of someone that you care about or want to impress.

The story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector found in Luke 18 describes how the Pharisee avoids embarrasement and the Tax Collector brings embarrassment as his offering before God. The Pharisee has done everything right and made the correct morning sacrifice. For this he is rightlyfully grateful. The Tax Collector has done everything wrong and made no morning sacrifice. His offering at the temple that morning admits he is embarrassed before God. Assuming his motives are genuine, he leaves worship a changed person. The story also assumes not much changes for the Pharisee.

Naturally we tend to cover up that which stirs up shame and embarrassment in us. When we cover it up, we also hold onto the experience. The guidance of scripture is to place before God all that holds us back.

At this time of year, many congregations ask members to commit finances for the coming year. Many of us are embarrassed about money and embarrassed when the church talks about money. Perhaps this year we can place at the altar that which embarrasses us about money and leave worship changed.