On this day in 1804, Napoleon was crowned Emperor of France.

A masterful general, an amazing military tactician, and a superb administrator, Napoleon Bonaparte was also an utterly ruthless dictator. Later in his career he thought he could do no wrong. So his name is often connected with overreaching military ambition and great pride. Although Napoleon conquered much of Europe, he lost two-thirds of his army in a disastrous invasion of Russia.

Because Napoleon was short (nicknamed “the Little Corporal”), short men who are overly aggressive are said to have a Napoleon complex. They seem to try to act taller and bigger by coming on strong in relationships and business.

The Bible tells about a man who probably had that kind of complex. Zacchaeus was a little guy, and in his job as tax collector he was mean and dishonest. Remember the story? Read it in Luke 19.

One day, as Jesus was making his way through town, Zacchaeus had to climb a tree to see him. Jesus saw him, called him by name, and asked to go to his house. And that’s when Zacchaeus’s life turned around. Instead of the taxman who got rich by cheating his neighbors and lording it over them, he became an honest man, humbly submitting to the Lord.

What made the difference? He experienced Jesus’ love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Here’s the deal. Whether you’re short or tall, coordinated or uncoordinated, exceptional or average, Jesus loves you and accepts you as you are. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not or try to be different to be accepted by God.

So change your Napoleon complex to a Zacchaeus complex. Come down from that tree and meet the Savior.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today” (Luke 19:5).

To Do

Take out a sheet of paper and write down all the ways that you feel inadequate or wish you were different. Include physical and personality characteristics, natural abilities, and past experiences. Then thank God for each one and ask him to show you how you can serve him as yourself, the way he made you.

Also on this day

This is National Fritters Day.

1862—Circus entrepreneur Charles Ringling was born.

1990—The midwest section of the United States prepared for a massive earthquake predicted by Iben Browning. Nothing happened, by the way.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.