As I wind down the short THEREFORE series, I want to pull
out another important “game-time” principle found in this passage (1 Corinthians
15.) The last couple of weeks I have tried to show the correlation in the truth
of the Gospel to not only our hope in salvation, but also as motivation to be “steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (vs 58)
Many passages in the New Testament are written with the “team-mentality”;
in fact, often when we read about being a “new man”, it is delivered in the
plural form referring to the body of Christ. In this passage, Paul talks of the
importance of team… in verse 58 it is talking about what we do together (note
the plural “brethren”)… moving in the same direction… with the same
purpose/goals…
Last night was the NBA all-star game; I love the new
twist over the past few years of the team captains choosing their teams… have
you thought about how you choose your “team”?
I talk regularly with believers that talk of the lethargy
of their churches… in fact I recently have heard the following sentiment while booking
for an upcoming tour: “Our people know the truth of the Gospel, but it doesn’t
go beyond the walls…” What is interesting is that has come from a pastor at one
church and from an elder at another church…
When we discuss “choosing teammates” wisely, the obvious
is to just focus on not hanging out with “bad players.”
15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good
habits.”
In context Paul is referring there to the negative
influences of those that are denying the resurrection, and thus live
wastefully. Yet, in the Greek, the word for “evil” can also mean thinking that
is not as it ought to be… “company” refers
to our associations… “habits” can also mean the customary dwelling place…
Obviously, the idea of “choosing good teammates” means to
avoid bad characters… but I believe it also means choosing those that will
strengthen… encourage… motivate you to a stronger “game.”
To me, “evil or bad company” can also refer to folks that
have a “benchwarmer” mentality… those that know what to do, but do not actually
“get in the game”… “abounding in the work of the Lord…” (vs 58)
Often, “benchwarmers” are not there because they lack
skills, but because they lack the right attitude/approach to “the game.”
Note: I am not saying that you should jump ship from your
church if lethargy is present… maybe you need to be the thermostat and set the
temp of your church… in doing so there will be others that join in with you!
BUT you need to get like-minded teammates!
The Gospel is true! THEREFORE, choose your team wisely!
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