Day 40 — Championing Others
In the eighteenth century, two theologians, George Whitfield and John Wesley, were well documented for having strong and differing theological opinions. One day someone asked Whitfield the brave question, “Will you see John Wesley in heaven?” To this Whitfield responded, “I fear not.” As the crowd gasped in shock, he continued, “he will be so near the throne and me at such a distance that I shall hardly get a sight of him.”
This is exactly the attitude we need to develop. We might not agree with everyone or even connect with all people, but wouldn’t it be amazing if we could learn to prefer and love one another. Can you begin to imagine the impact of a church united and choosing to honour and support one another?
When Ronald Reagan was President of the United States, he had a sign on his desk saying, “There is no limit to how far a person can go as long as he doesn’t care who gets the credit.”
We can get so preoccupied about who gets praised and credited for this and that. An unhealthy competitive streak rises to the surface. Let us remind ourselves of the big picture. To the church in Corinth, who were getting obsessed with names and ministries, Paul writes,
“What, after all is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe…I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Cor 3:5-7)
We need to hear and receive these words today. As we learn to prefer one another, we inwardly cultivate a humble heart. No longer are we consumed with our own personal gain. Rather we long to see God’s Kingdom coming and His name lifted high above all other names; even our own.
Prayer: Lord Jesus thank you for people in my life who challenge and confront me. Who disrupt my set ways of thinking. I recognise that I don’t know everything and am not right on everything. Help me to always love, bless and champion others. Keep me humble and open to learning new things. Amen
Tim Hughes
Lead Pastor