Bend-A-Knee

July 9, 2026

     Have you ever noticed how some people use the personal pronoun “I” a great deal? When they share something or tell you about a happening, “I” becomes the central theme in the story making sure you realize their importance in the event. For some people making sure that they get credit for their personal accomplishments is necessary for their self-esteem.

     Recently a political figure was being interviewed and as the interview progressed it became very apparent, due to the overwhelming use of the personal pronoun “I,” that they wanted to receive credit for the topic being discussed. The political figure was masterful at continually deflecting praise away from anyone else and kept returning the conversation back to themself. It was as though they relished the spotlight savoring the opportunity to bask in the glory of the event being discussed.

     On the other hand, some people deflect credit away from themselves trying to make sure others capture the group accomplishments. They use the plural pronoun “we.” The simple use of “we” completely changes the dynamics of the conversation as a means of celebrating the contributions of many over just one.

     The gospel writer Luke, who also wrote the book of “Acts”, included himself in several stories within the book. The only way to recognize how Luke identifies himself is through the use of the plural pronoun “we.” Luke’s usage of the first-person plural “we” indicates his actual presence at the events written about. This happens three times within the book. Biblical scholars refer to these writings as the “We Passages,” which can be easily missed unless reading with intense scrutiny. Each passage is connected to Paul’s travels: Acts 16:10-17 (Troas to Philippi), Acts 20:5-21 (Phillipi to Jerusalem) and Acts 27:1-28 (Caesarea to Rome). Luke identifies himself using the first-person singular “I” as the author, to Theophilus, but as the narrative unfolds, he does not distinguish himself using the personal pronoun “I.” Why? Perhaps Luke wants to make sure that authentication of the events could be verified through him without taking away from the stories themselves.

     Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you seek God’s help in deflecting honor away from yourself, toward group accomplishments. May your self-esteem not be tied to receiving accommodation on a personal level but may you gain great satisfaction through being part of a group and their collective accomplishments.   

Stay connected to God & to others

God’s Peace

Pastor Mike