Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Take One for the Team

There is an old saying, "Take one for the team." It is meant to convey team camaraderie. What one team member suffers, the entire team suffers. Jesus used this universal principle to explain to the disciples that they would suffer persecution.

"Remember the word which I spoke to you, 'A servant is not above his master. If they persecuted me they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also" (John 15:20).

We may live comfortably for a long time among unbelievers without conflict. We may get so comfortable that we are taken by surprise when we are suddenly faced with persecution. Individuals whom we thought understood our positions as a Christian become angry when we refuse to go along with what is clearly sinful choices.

They take offense when they find out we belong to quite a different team.