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In Reply to: Re: Porceleindoll's great answers to Smiley posted by moonshiner on May 02, 2006 at 16:53:34:
I was impressed by how readily PD pushed back on Smiley's guilt trip. I also wondered if it might be a worthwhile effort to create an article (or series of posts) on the general topic of the Family's habit of trying to shame others by boasting about great deeds for God. This would probably need to be moved to the Journeys page.
The main thing that came mind in response to Smiley's litany of "What did you do for Jesus today?" was "little way" teaching of St. Therese of Liseux. I'm sure there is a similar teaching in the protestant pietist tradition. Basically, the little way teaches that ordinary actions taken with loving kindness, awareness, and humilty builds up the Kingdom of God on earth as surely as great accomplishments of the missionary or preacher or prophet or whatever else you can think of as publically recognized service to God, humanity and the created order. Metaphorically, it's like the saying that "mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow"--so plant those acorns and bloom where you're planted. Since the practitioner of the little way has no way of knowing the impact of his or her everyday sacrifices and service (because it is a spiritual offering made in secret or beyond the sight of public recognition) the work of God can never be a source of personal glory.
