UNPACK This...Gleaning From G.O.A.T.sSample

Remaining Loyal In The Let-Down

When you think about dominant players in Major League Baseball since the turn of the century, the first player that might pop into your mind is Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.

But despite his impressive individual performance, the Angels have failed to produce much team success during Trout’s tenure. Since Trout joined the Angels in 2011, the organization has only reached the playoffs once - in 2014.

Although many people would have understood if Trout decided to demand a trade, he has remained loyal to the Angels.

As followers of Jesus, we’re part of an “organization” that’s even more important than a Major League franchise: the Church. Similarly to the case of Trout, each of us will experience moments in our walk with the Lord when our “teammates” will let us down, and our “organization” will not be doing so well.

Yet, no matter how much chaos we encounter, God has commanded us to demonstrate loyalty to the organization He has instituted to help us mature in our faith.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:15-16, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. From Him, the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Being around our fellow believers in a local church helps us grow and mature in our faith. Of course, sometimes people will let us down, but the shortcomings of others don’t negate the fact that we should demonstrate loyalty by participating in a church where we can grow alongside other believers.

So today, let’s be obedient to the command of Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to be part of Your Church. Please help me show mercy and grace to fellow believers when they sin against me, and help me be a blessing to others as I navigate life alongside them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.