WARM-UP
Thumbs up or Down:
Peas, asparagus, gummy worms, steak, spinach, chicken nuggets, ice cream
Why did you give some of those things a thumbs down? We are not supposed to hate things or people but we use that word often. We use it to talk about things we don’t like. In our verse for this week Jesus tells us that there will be people who hate us because we love Him.
“‘If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.’” — John 15:19
WORKOUT
Being a Christian puts us on a team, God’s team. God is the coach, and we are the athletes. Like most sports there is an opposing team. With Christianity, the opposing team belongs to our enemy, Satan. He hates us. He hates us because we are on God’s team and Satan does not like God.
Our verse for today is Jesus speaking, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you” (John 15:19). Those who are on God’s team are special because God chose them and the world (Satan) hates that!
Think of a game of kick ball at recess: you have two captains. God is one of those captains and Satan is the other. Those teams battle to see who will win. Satan really wants to win because he wants both teams for himself so he can have all the control. He’s not a good captain. He is selfish, and his athletes suffer because of it. God, on the other hand, is the perfect captain and a loving Coach who takes great care of His athletes in every way.
If you were on the world’s team, those teammates would welcome you in as their own right? Of course. But since you’re on God’s team, you’re not accepted. They can make life pretty hard for you. Sometimes they might call you a “goody two-shoes,” or other names, or they might try to get you to mess up just so they can laugh at you.
What should we do? Listen to the Coach (God) and always keep our eyes on Him. Do what He says. Stick together as a team, build each other up, encourage one another and look out for each other. Love each other and make wise decisions as we play against the other team.
WRAP-UP
The secret here is to focus more on playing with your team than playing against the other team. When you really focus on teamwork and being the best teammate you can possibly be.
It’s important for us to be aware that there is an opposing team but if we keep our eyes on Him we will be alright.
Let’s pray!
“Lord, facing the opposing team sounds scary and hard. Please guide us as we walk with You on Your team and protect us. Help us keep our eyes on our teammates and on You. You love us and call us friends and have chosen us. Thank You. We love You and being on Your team. In Jesus’ name, amen.”