I admitted on Sunday that it was difficult to come up with ways to apply this core truth Jesus was teaching his disciples in Matt. 18:1-5.
CORE TRUTH – be cured of the status sickness, it will kill the new community I’m starting with you before it even starts.
I feel like Sunday was gut wrenching, for me at least. Some came up to me after admitting it was hard to agree with at first because it seemed so radical to say become of little or no status. I guess it felt like there was something about it that said: don’t succeed or progress or be the best you can be. That wasn’t the heart it. There’s a lot in the scriptures that call out our passion, perseverance, gifts, and discipline – which naturally lead to progress both personally and in mission.
The heart of Jesus’ words is about community at it’s most fundamental level. Regardless if you’re in a family, a marriage relationship, a management team, or a ministry team – the truth is, if one or more people on the team get stuck on status or rank the team will never amount to much. Not only will the mission of that team eventually fade, the relationships will be superficial.
So, at the start of Matthew 18, where Jesus helps his disciples understand community from a kingdom value perspective, he had to start here. Without a round table approach (e.g. the knights of the round table), this little community of 12 would never become the kind of church community in God’s mind and heart.
So here’s my ongoing thoughts on this… (I’ll post more as I think of them or people send me suggestions)
WHY become aware of people of lower status than you and associate with them? First, this should never be an “us-them” thing. That automatically focuses on one’s status. But the point of becoming aware is recognizing that there’s common ground because you’re human. We are all God’s image bearers and therefore are valued greatly. That’s the fundamental place to start. To realize that you are just like the person on the other side of the world or street, regardless of the privilege your status grants you.
This will be ongoing so check back, and please, comment as much as you want.
3 comments:
I enjoyed the message Dave.. relates to thoughts, haha you know, that I have had in the past month while also reading Matthew 18.
I saw the message as letting go of the pride of status. Sometimes, status is given..just depends on how we use it, how we perceive it. Pride often gets in the way of good teams, good leaders, families, friendships, any relationship really.
Another note, thinking last night, a child trusts.. just knows that their father knows best. Best example I could come up with is a father driving his son to the park. I picture the child in his seat, not worried about the directions his father is taking, simply enjoying the ride, enjoying the sights, anxious to get to the destination, but trusting that his father knows the way. (Correct me if Im wrong..ha I obviously don't have kids) Nonetheless.. I see trust. I see children usually only running to their parent when hurt. I see respect. I see unconditional 'simple' love.
Just thoughts. :)
Have a great week.
Thank you for the message!
2 Samuel 6:14
1 Corinthians 1:26-30
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