Tag: Team

The call of the Gentiles

Romans 11:11-24

Growing up playing multiple sports, one of the worst titles one could be given by fellow teammates, or opponents was, scrub. A scrub was a player on a team who was appointed as a backup to the backup, or a “just in case someone gets hurt player”, who usually sat on the bench during games while the starters hogged the spotlight. Scrubs were usually picked on, ridiculed, and laughed at by other members of the team, mostly because their skill levels weren’t on par with the others. I can vaguely remember a time when I could have possibly, but not certainly, perhaps, but don’t quote me on it, been a scrub. At least I think it was me. Maybe it was someone else I was thinking about who resembles me, because I was awesome! Okay, it was me, but it was during my baby shark days when I was still developing and learning the ropes of football. When the coach called me into the game, after someone got hurt, I thought I was dreaming, and remained on the bench with my eyes and mouth wide open. I think I missed the next play because I was so caught up in the moment of hearing my name called. When my spaceship finally landed back on earth, I ran on the field and actually exceeded everyone’s expectations, including my own. After the game, I was assigned as a starting player for the remainder of the season, but my coach told me to appreciate the moment and opportunity, and never let it cause me to become haughty and high-minded. Although I was granted the privilege of being a major part of our team’s future success, it could all be taken away if my character and behavior didn’t meet the coach’s expectations.

In God’s plan of redemption, the Jews were His starting players. They were the first to be blessed in the Gospel, and had access to God’s gameplan. Because of their unbelief in God’s plan, they were benched in place of the Gentiles, or scrubs. The apostle Paul helped the Gentiles gain a better understanding of their new position on God’s team, in our text. Their elevation came at the expense of the Jews’ demotion, so Paul warned them not to boast of their being accepted of God in the place of the Jews. The same way my coach could have sent me back to the bench if I allowed pride to control my behavior, is just how God could’ve removed the Gentiles from their position, if they had boasted in their new role.

God still loves His starting players, the Jews, and will engraft them back into their previous position, but they must first change their behavior, and make a choice to follow His gameplan over their own. The body of Christ is composed of many members, yet remains one team. Play your position well, or you’ll get benched for the next man up, until you get your act together.

Walk in love,

Ell

Members depend on each other

1 Corinthians 12:19-26

Every part of the human body is important, and God made sure that all its members play a role in keeping it functioning properly. From the eyes we use to see, to the feet that carry us to various destinations, our whole body was joined with amazing, yet necessary parts. I’m fully aware that some people have been born lacking certain body parts, but to those who were blessed to have all things in order, can you imagine going through life with either one leg, arm, or less than 10 toes? I had a few experiences where I nearly lost and eye, and a finger. I couldn’t imagine adjusting to life not having all my members in working order. I give much respect to those who live everyday struggling with certain birth conditions, yet continue to push forward and enjoy life.

The body of Christ is just that; a body, composed of many members. All the many members of the body of Christ have unique, and necessary duties to fulfill, in order to keep the body functioning properly. Some get discouraged, because they aren’t seen and recognized much as others who may tend to get more exposure, because of their purpose in God’s kingdom. This is no reason to worry, nor fret, because every role is important in the kingdom of God. If your role is to be a leg or foot that holds the body up, and carry it from place to place, then be the best foot God ever created. In fact, while you’re being that great foot, go ahead and decorated yourself with some nice Stacy Adams, or four inch heels. One of my mottos is, “If you like it, I love it! If you can’t change it, decorate it!” Jealousy doesn’t belong in God’s kingdom, because we all are loved the same, no matter our roles or positions. Just be good at whatever God has called you to do. Don’t envy others because they seem to get recognition from men, but build your hope on knowing that the eternal God will recognize you for all you do for His kingdom.

We all need each other to be effective witnesses to the world. The closer we work together, the better our body will function. Love and appreciate the differences amongst fellow believers, and begin to compliment others for the great work they do in this great body of Christ!

Walk in love,

Ell