Marcus Maltby

Dear Friends,

“If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me.” -John 8:54

In 2022, it seems that everyone is seeking something: some fame, some wealth, and some status. We are told that all of these things lead to happiness and a meaningful life. Celebrities are nearly saints and the wealthy are almost sacred. Media bombards us with shallow behavior: entire television programs are dedicated to the mansions of billionaires, magazines portray the best looking actors wearing clothing worth more than $100,000.00, and entire buildings are named after wealthy individuals who have never stepped foot into them. Greed and pride are practically virtuous behaviors whereas generosity and humility are outdated sentimentalities at best and lunacy at worst. To be rich and famous is to be someone; to be poor and marginal is to be nothing.

In opposition to modern notions of glory, Jesus stands as a revolutionary against the current virtues of the modern world. Christ sought not to proclaim His own greatness but to spread the word of His Father and to save humanity from their sins. He championed the virtues of selflessness and humility and seeked not the praise of men. He proclaimed to his disciples that if they want to be best they must be servants. Whether in the 1st or 21st century these words stand as an immovable rock against the unstoppable force of human vice. Jesus is the very foundation of morality upon which a meaningful life must stand upon. To be without Christ is to be without hope of the goodness of humanity.

May we remember our savior and heed His words lest our nation sink into the earth like the foolish man who built his house on sand.

In Christ,

Marcus
Beloved in the Desert corps member