Yeah, yeah, I know—the first rule of fight club is…fight-club.
Still, here we are.
For those readers who have never see and know absolutely nothing about Fight Club, it’s a movie about an underground fighting organization. Think of illegal dog fights only with humans. There are no rules – just do what you can to beat the other guy.
That’s the kind of world we live in. There is something within us that compels us to be better than the other guy. Often it matters less HOW we play the game – only that we win the game.
And that brings us to the word of the day: GREATEST
At the end of this digital church service there’s a place for comments. We’d love to hear from you. What did you take away from the service? What spoke to you? What do you have questions about? How can we do better to serve you and your friends and family? Thx!
Now who is the greatest? This was the argument the disciples were having one fine day. I always imagine Peter started off the conversation something like this…
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” 49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
C’mon, Jesus, you’re not being much fun. We want to talk about greatness and you keep harping on humility. Whoever is least is great? What kind of talk is that? No one in this world strives for leastness (I’m pretty sure I invented a new word—which is pretty great).
But do you get what Jesus is saying? Our world pushes us to pursue the best. Sports, business, school…for our entire lives we are groomed to desire greatness. How many different Hall of Fames do we have? Each sport has one. Rock ‘n Roll has one. Each segment of society has its own version. We annually look forward to crowning the world champion in our favorite sport. Humility has become a completely foreign concept to us, altogether.
HUMILITY HAS BECOME A COMPLETELY FOREIGN CONCEPT TO US. (Did you say it with me?)
Yet this is the attitude Jesus calls us to embrace.
Ironically, the Bible DOES talk about those who believe in God being conquerors and victors. But here’s the thing—it’s never about winning under our own strength and ability. It’s about recognizing our weakness and limitations and relying on God to see us through. It’s not about our greatness—it’s about GOD’s greatness.
We still need to maintain a humble attitude. It’s hard, I know. Especially when we’re really good at something.
How about it? Will you embrace humility in order to take care of others? Are you willing to be weak so that God can be strong? Are you willing to set aside your greatness in order to magnify God’s?
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We’re going to have some reflection and response time. Think about the message and focus on the words of the songs.
Our first song is called Victorious. It’s not about what WE can do. It’s about what GOD can do (and has done).
We face the trials this world will wage
We pray for strength to stand in faith
Through it all our God remains…
God is the victor.
Our second song is God Is Able. It declares the awesome wonder of God – the foundation and rock upon which we build our faith and lives. The song declares,
God is able, He will never fail – He is almighty God
Greater than all we seek, Greater than all we ask – He has done great thingsLifted up, He defeated the grave
Raised to life our God is able
In His name we overcome
For the Lord our God is able
Let’s worship…
FOR REFLECTION:
– Do I actively seek greatness?
– Am I comfortable wearing humility? Is my humility a false humility?
– Am I willing to embrace a humble lifestyle and NOT pursue greatness?
MAKING IT REAL:
– This week, practice humility and service. Find a way to let others have the day.
– Intentionally take the back seat. Find a way to serve someone else.
– At the end of the week share your God moments with us here on the site or on our page at Facebook.
– If you’ve never come to the place in your life where you have decided to be a follower of Jesus and want to know more, please shoot us a message and we’ll be glad to talk to you about what it means to be a follower!
If you’ve been blessed by Chaplain Linzey’s ministry, please consider donating to The Church Plant by clicking here.
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- The Book of James: The Cool Kids Club (James 2:1-13) - August 18, 2024
- The Book of James: Listen Up, Shut Up, and Simmer Down (James 1:19-27) - July 26, 2024
- The Book of James: Surviving the Tough Times - July 19, 2024
