So the World Cup is pretty big right now. I grew up in the Philippines where soccer isn’t really a thing, so it’s hard for me to get into the World Cup as much as the rest of the world does… I don’t know if you can relate lol
But today at church, the pastor mentioned something that caught my attention. Here in Penang, Malaysia, the World Cup is broadcasted pretty much in every street corner, bar and restaurant, and people cheering for their favorite teams and going bonkers when one individual scores a goal.
The pastor said (who I believe is also a soccer fan) said, when one individual scores a goal, the whole team celebrates, a whole stadium celebrates and all those around the world watching on tv celebrates for that one individual… about a ball going in a net…. I get how sports in general may play a role in someone’s identity, causing an individual to breakout into celebration when an awesome play is made, a goal, or a touch down. I myself go crazy when my favorite fighter throws a great combination and produces a knockout. Or when I come home after a workout and my mom has cooked some dope filipino food.
But, it occurred to me, that my identity in Christ is so much greater and much more meaningful than any sport or anything that I can potentially identify with in this world. That His celebrations are my celebrations!!
When someone accepts Christ on the other side of the world and receives everlasting life, do I rejoice just as much as I would when I land that job I’ve always wanted? Would I rejoice just as much or even greater when someone on my squad receives a revelation from the Lord and freedom from sin than when I receive a promotion? When I see God’s people selflessly pursuing those who are in need and are lost, when I see that person who used to be a drug addict, an alcoholic, an adulterer, prideful, a cheater, a murderer, a thief but by the grace of God receives a changed life… does my spirit celebrate with a roar?
“so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
??1 Corinthians? ?12:25-26? ?
Lord teach me how to celebrate you!!! My Identity, my family, my team is with you! Teach me how to rejoice in the work that you do in the kingdom. To be bonkers for the fruits produced by your spirit in the lives of those whom are yours!!
