As a child, I disliked playing
‘Musical Chairs.’ Remember that party game? Remember
the rambunctious scramble when the music stopped?
The goal was simple: get a chair regardless of the
cost. Only the quickest and toughest survived.
However, I guess I was just incompetent, not nimble
enough - perhaps too timid to last more than a
couple of rounds. There I was, looking for an empty
chair, beaten to the last available one or pushed
off its edge by a more combative rival. Then, out of
the circle I went, to watch more accomplished
players.
Thinking of it now, I think the contest taught us in
subtle ways that the name of the game is ‘look out
for yourself- outmaneuver and outdo others.’
Recently, while walking out of the grocery store, I
witnessed (and enjoyed I might add) watching two
people go at it, arguing over a parking space. From
the conversation, I could tell the one woman had cut
in on a space the other was waiting for. And that
would not be tolerated. As I walked by, I just
couldn’t help myself and said, “When my kids are
fighting and yelling ‘Mine! Mine! Mine!’ I take the
toy away from both of them. Do I need to take your
space away from both of you?”
Here’s some free advice, if you ever have the chance
to get between two women who are fighting over a
parking space, DON’T DO IT! I tried it! You won’t
dig it!
I have news for you. In biblical times, the game was
the same. People have always looked out for
themselves and have behaved selfishly. There’s no
shock about that. This has been and always will be
the way of the world. However, God calls Christians
to live counter-cultural.
Paul wrote, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty
conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you
consider one another as more important than
yourself; do not merely look out for your own
personal interests, but also for the interests of
others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
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He also said, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of
those without strength and not just please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1)
In Luke 14: 7-14, Jesus tells a parable of a dinner party where
everyone is scrambling for the best seats. For the most part our
world still works that way? Guest lists include those who are most
like us, or, if we are candid, those who can give us something in
return. And sitting
up close denotes status and power. It’s the way the world works. Not
unlike ‘Musical Chairs.’
But tucked inside the story is the teaching of Jesus. “For everyone
who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself
shall be exalted.” (vs. 11)
So, what have we learned? God does not want His people scrambling
and fighting over places and positions. God doesn’t want His
children arguing over selfish things. What He wants, (and what He
expects,) is that you and I will always behave and respond
considering others more important than ourselves.
I believe as the world watches Christians behaving with gentleness
and compassion; they too will become more gentle and compassionate.
And let’s not forget, “What you sow you will reap.”
[Ron Otto, Lincoln Christian Church] |
