The Times News has teamed up with area clergy to share ‘Words of Comfort’ twice a week in our print edition and online at . Any member of the clergy who’d like to get involved can contact Allison Winters at awinters@sixriversmedia.com.
The Times News has teamed up with area clergy to share ‘Words of Comfort’ twice a week in our print edition and online at . Any member of the clergy who’d like to get involved can contact Allison Winters at awinters@sixriversmedia.com.
I recently participated in a sports competition with other pastors.
There was five of us in total, it was fun. After it was all said and done, people asked how you did.
As you can tell from the title, I came in last place. That was fair, I am not disputing that.
No one enjoys saying I came in last, but it really doesn’t bother me. Maybe a little at first. That is pride. That is wanting to boast and brag.
I am not saying there is anything wrong in celebrating a victory, but it is a matter of priorities.That should not be the most important thing. It is wrong to put ourselves first, and that can be self destructive.
Philippians 2:3-4 says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.â€
I am thankful for the blessings I received: I met some nice people, but I didn’t get a trophy. I didn’t get to speak to the crowd.
I had fun, I prayed with a family. It was personal and sincere. It made them and me feel good. It made me think about why did God put me on this earth to win a competition or did he put me her to spread his love and word and love my neighbor.
Doing what God wants means more than any competition.
As I think about it, I did God’s work and made a friend. Everybody loves a winner. But Jesus came to us so none us of have to be losers but we can all be winners in him.
We need to follow his example. Money, fame, glory and notoriety are nice, but they last just for a short time. In the grand scheme of things, those things are meaningless.
God’s love and forgiveness are the most precious things that exist. They last for eternity.
It seems so strange to me that so many profess to know that and do so little to do God’s will. But when it comes to getting praise and fame from their fellow man, they proverbially break their neck to get it. Far too many won’t even lift a finger to help another human being unless there is something in it for them. Actions speak louder than words.
How do we experience God’s love and receive eternal life? By accepting Jesus in our hearts.
Love God first. Second, love your neighbor. That is the way to truly win.
Rev. Shane Wallace is pastor at Coeburn Methodist Church.
