 I think often times in Christian circles and teaching, there is this sense that wanting to be good at something and maybe get noticed is seen as prideful and evil. To be sure, that is possible. But it's also very possible to want to be seen as very good in what you do and point people to Jesus!
As we see in our passage today in Mark 9:33-37, Jesus catches the guys in a pickle. They're having an intense debate between themselves as to who is number 1. Who's the best disciple? Maybe who is Jesus favorite follower? I'm sure it was a lively discussion. To the point that it caught Jesus attention and so he asked them, "What is it you've been arguing about"? Now here's what stands out as it becomes obvious they were quarreling over who is the best of the bunch! 1) Jesus never scolds them or rebukes them for wanting to be great! He's just gonna redefine for them what greatness looks like. See you and I are wired to like applause. We want approval. It starts when we are young and want to be seen by our parents. We want to be accepted by our peers. We want to be viewed as a success at work. It's how God has made you. BUT- when we live our lives only for the applause of men, and not for the approval of Jesus, we'll end up empty. Jesus points them in the direction of humility, of being of service to others. Of caring for people. How can you be a blessing to others this week? Here's a couple reminders.
If we would be Good Neighbors, let's start as Jesus taught us, but seeking to encourage and build into others. Greatness is about building a kingdom. But whose kingdom? Jesus or Yours? Real success is having something that lasts after you- and that my friends will be found in serving as Jesus served us! Pastor Mike - Sunday was totally awesome as 8 friends gave their story of their love for Jesus and wanting to follow Him in Baptism! Thank-You for your generosity!
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 There's a battle going on, and you and I are in the middle of it. Sometimes it's more prevalent than others, but present nonetheless. I read a couple surveys this week that said more people are angrier than ever before. Is that you? Chances are if you're ticked off, someone has done something to you. What did they do?
In my own life, I've found this to be true.. Someone will do something or say something. I'll feel slighted. Or attacked. What happens in that moment? How do we respond? Paul gave us some very practical helps in dealing with personal attacks in Romans 12:14-21. This week we're going to look at how we Deal with Difficult People. He sums the matter up in Romans 12:21, which I'd encourage you to memorize. "Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." "Overcome" means to be victorious. It's a fighting word. A winner overcomes. It faces the adversity and comes out on top. This is what Paul is saying. When faced with a conflict over evil, brought on by another person or situation. Don't let the evil win. You see, evil wins when we either return the evil back. When we seek to get even, get revenge. Hurt the other person the way they hurt us. When this happens, evil wins and we suffer as well. We can never truly pay back and come out ahead. The other way evil wins, is by continuing the chain of pain. Revenge continues the cycle of hurt and draws others into it's pathway. So how can we be victorious over the ugly people and things that happen? Jesus faced evil on the cross. He said, Father forgive them. He calls on those who would follow Him to forgive too. To break the cycle of hurt and retaliation. Everyone faces difficult people. The only question is, how we will respond. Join me Sunday as we look at being a Good Neighbor to the Mean people in our world. Pastor Mike PS - Excited to announce on Sunday we have 8 who are planning on being baptized, to give confession that they are seeking to follow Jesus! Come celebrate at 9:33 am. |
AuthorStonebridge Community Church is a Bible-based non-denominational church located in Dardenne Prairie, Missouri. Archives
December 2024
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