John said to Jesus, "Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group."
But Jesus said, "Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you."
—Luke 9:49-50 NLT
So often, our pride manifests itself as group pride. The attitude is, "If we don't do it, then it must not be important." The apostles want their little band of "Jesus followers" to be the primary bunch. Their thinking seems to be something like this: "He chose us, so surely there couldn't be anyone else as important." Jesus, however, is not interested in gathering people into prideful cliques. Instead, he wants to build groups of welcoming disciples who are thankful for all who are helping build the Kingdom of God. Jesus' point is very simple: If they're not against us, then they're for us! Oh my, if only we could have that attitude today.
Forgive us, humble us, and correct us, O Father, for our rivalry, petty spirit, divisiveness, pride, and arrogance. It is unconscionable that we have split your church into so many subgroups. Work in your people with your Spirit to bring us back to a more faithful unity. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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But Jesus said, "Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you."
—Luke 9:49-50 NLT
Key Thought
So often, our pride manifests itself as group pride. The attitude is, "If we don't do it, then it must not be important." The apostles want their little band of "Jesus followers" to be the primary bunch. Their thinking seems to be something like this: "He chose us, so surely there couldn't be anyone else as important." Jesus, however, is not interested in gathering people into prideful cliques. Instead, he wants to build groups of welcoming disciples who are thankful for all who are helping build the Kingdom of God. Jesus' point is very simple: If they're not against us, then they're for us! Oh my, if only we could have that attitude today.
Today's Prayer
Forgive us, humble us, and correct us, O Father, for our rivalry, petty spirit, divisiveness, pride, and arrogance. It is unconscionable that we have split your church into so many subgroups. Work in your people with your Spirit to bring us back to a more faithful unity. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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