There are sport team situations that cause this kind of response also. It is a difficult call by the coach when a skilled player transfers into an established team. Because the player comes with excellent skills and ability, he or she can earn a starting position over a team member that has been in the program from the beginning and has worked hard to improve. This can be an extremely sensitive situation - one that calls for loving care.
A story in the Bible references this issue. It is found in Luke 15 and is known as the story of the prodigal son. After squandering his inheritance on wild living and upon realizing his demise, he comes back home with the thought in mind of being a servant in his father's house. However, to his surprise, he is welcomed by his father with love, acceptance, affection and much celebration. Here is what happened next…
“The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn’t listen. The son said, ‘Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!’ vs. 28-30 The Message
The caring father gently took the OLDER BROTHER aside saying…“Son, you are always with me and all that I have is yours. We had to celebrate and be happy because your brother was dead, but now he is alive. He was lost, but now he is found.” vs. 31-32
LESSON FOR TODAY: Don’t be the older brother! In-the-moment facts aren’t enough to conquer what seems to be unfair…rather, we are wise to consider the bigger picture and respond with love and care in light of it.
“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” Pastor Stan Russell
PRAYER: Lord, I want to live like that. And give it all I have…so that everything I say and do points to you. If love is who I am then this is where I’ll stand…recklessly abandoned - never holding back. I want to live like that. In Jesus Name, Amen. (lyrics of a song by Sidewalk Prophets)
THE RIGHT WAY TO LIVE TRUMPS HOW WE MAY FEEL!
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