By: Rex Stump
When you pick up the newspaper, or read an article on social media, concerning a recent event, who gets the attention? In sport, it’s the athlete who scored. In business, it’s the owner. In school, it’s the top award winner. That’s life.
Not everyone in the program or on the team will get recognized (unless they are involved in a scandal, right?). In life, not everyone gets equal recognition, but that doesn’t mean they are less important.
In 1 Samuel 30, David’s home Ziklag is attacked while he and his fighters are gone. They begin a pursuit to rescue their wives and children from the Amalekites, after seeking God’s direction.
Along the way they encounter an abandoned Amalekite slave. David treated him with respect and care. In return, the slave led David to the Amalekite camp.
During the pursuit, 200 of his 600 men were too exhausted to continue, so they stayed and guarded the supplies.
Meanwhile, David and his 400 fighters found the camp, rescued their families, and recovered a large amount supplies and goods! On the way home they met up with the 200 who did not fight.
David shared the spoils of victory with these men. Of course, there were quite a few of the 400 who didn’t think they deserved it, since they weren’t on the front lines.
But David felt “all” were equally valuable. Those who guard the supplies are just as valuable as those on the front line.
God has gifted each of us with various skills and gifts. We are not the same in talent. But we are each created with value by God. Just because you didn’t get recognition or your name mentioned, doesn’t mean you have less value.
If you are feeling like you don’t matter, remember the words of Paul in Ephesians, “you are God’s masterpiece!” If you are feeling like you are the most important person ever created, check your pride and read Philippians 2:1-5.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
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Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.