17 Dec A Team-Based Faith
Read Romans 15:1-7
Thought for the Day: Jesus came not to be served, but to serve!
Almost fifteen years ago, we (Pastors Stan and David) coached a little league team together. After our first game, it was clear: our team had the four best players in the league. We could have simply focused on getting the maximum production from these four. But, instead, we realized that these stars would have the most success not if we treated them like mini-celebrities, but if we instructed them to be the leaders of their team. For the rest of the season, these four celebrated and encouraged the accomplishments of their less-skilled teammates. While our boys went undefeated, we are most proud of the fact that every player contributed and no one simply warmed the bench. Our four stars led a true team effort.
In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul made it clear: Christians must not act like they are better than others. Instead, the very essence of being a Christian following Jesus. He is the only human who never sinned and could have celebrated how awesome He was in full honesty. But of course, Jesus didn’t. Instead, He lived with humility his entire life (including His ministry, death, and resurrection). This was all done for the sake of others. As Christians, we are to follow His example as “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
Today’s culture seems to overly celebrate the self. How many of us are really willing to bear with and encourage those who struggle more than we do? When coworkers have difficulties, do we ignore them or see their value? When our children excel while others struggle, do we play favorites? This Christmas Season, let’s stop and see the flaw in this. As followers of Jesus (who came into the world as a humble baby), let’s bear with the weaknesses of our neighbors and do what we can to help.
Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. Let’s follow His example!
In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David
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