Just Pick A Team
Scripture
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:-9-11
I've been cheering for the same NFL football team for the last 35 years. I actually take a lot of comfort in knowing which team is "my team." It gives me a group of fans to relate to and a sense of ownership when I'm watching the games. It's almost like I get to be a part of what's going on with the team without having to do any of the hard work. I love sitting on the couch and coaching from 1000 miles away, while eating appetizers and drinking a cold one. When my team wins, it was because of me. When they lose, it was because of them, duh.
This kind of team play is fun on Sunday afternoons, but it can be toxic if it infiltrates our faith.
Just like football, the world wants Christians to choose their teams. Do you like contemporary or traditional worship? International or local missions? Progressive or Conservative?
It's human instinct. Tribalism in the 21st century.
I'm not saying that these things aren't important or worth talking about, even disagreeing about, but as Christians they are not our team.
Philippians reminds us that we are on team Jesus, and there can be unity among team members even with diversity. Just because we disagree, does't mean we have to be disagreeable! We are all on the same team and I hope we can learn to play as one for the Kingdom of God, the sake of the Gospel, and our sake as well.
Peace,
Pastor Mitch
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:-9-11
I've been cheering for the same NFL football team for the last 35 years. I actually take a lot of comfort in knowing which team is "my team." It gives me a group of fans to relate to and a sense of ownership when I'm watching the games. It's almost like I get to be a part of what's going on with the team without having to do any of the hard work. I love sitting on the couch and coaching from 1000 miles away, while eating appetizers and drinking a cold one. When my team wins, it was because of me. When they lose, it was because of them, duh.
This kind of team play is fun on Sunday afternoons, but it can be toxic if it infiltrates our faith.
Just like football, the world wants Christians to choose their teams. Do you like contemporary or traditional worship? International or local missions? Progressive or Conservative?
It's human instinct. Tribalism in the 21st century.
I'm not saying that these things aren't important or worth talking about, even disagreeing about, but as Christians they are not our team.
Philippians reminds us that we are on team Jesus, and there can be unity among team members even with diversity. Just because we disagree, does't mean we have to be disagreeable! We are all on the same team and I hope we can learn to play as one for the Kingdom of God, the sake of the Gospel, and our sake as well.
Peace,
Pastor Mitch
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