Think Like a Chipmunk
When one thinks of the great rivalries of our age, many may come to mind: Ford vs. Chevy, Coke vs. Pepsi, UofL vs. UK, and of course, Tolstoy vs. Dostoyevsky. Whichever side you take in these rivalries, most of these are kept lighthearted. In fact, it can be fun to have a rivalry with another team. I know we looked forward to the Manual game every year at Male, and everyone in our city loves the UofL/UK games.
Our memory verses this month are in Philippians 2:3-5. Verse three begins by addressing this very issue of rivalry: “Do nothing from selfish ambition [rivalry in some translations] or conceit.” Rivalry is fun in sports, but when it shows up as “selfish ambition” in the church, this is a big problem. We should not be opposed to one another, but instead, striving together in unity. That’s why memorizing Scripture is so powerful. Psalm 119:11 reminds us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” We memorize God’s Word to help transform our hearts and renew our minds (Romans 12:2).
The rest of verse three gives us the mindset we should have instead of rivalry “…in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Humility allows one to pause and consider the view of the other person, to not demand things be done only my way. As we talked about Sunday, “counting” others more significant doesn’t mean you think you are worthless, but that you regard others as “higher ranked.”
I often think of that old chipmunks cartoon where each wanted the other to go first, so much so that they always just barely escaped tragedy because of their continual insistence that the other take first place. It makes me laugh, but maybe also cry a little when I think of how often I demand my way first rather than insisting others have their way.
Here’s a simple exercise this week: Try to memorize just verse three this week. It’s pretty short, just sixteen words, about two words a day. As you memorize, see if you notice God prompting you to avoid ‘rivalry,’ and instead presents opportunities to allow others to have the first choice.
Speaking of choices, this Sunday is our long anticipated Fall Faith Festival and Chili Cook-off! Come with your best pot of chili, and if you want, your hottest chili; and, a fire extinguisher for the mouth of the judges. It’s going to be a great time of food, fellowship, and fun. Make sure to take some step of faith to either invite someone or check out a small group this Sunday. Also, I was moved by how many stood Sunday to say they would commit to attending the next four weeks in a row. If you stood, be sure to tell someone for accountability, and give them the freedom to check in with you.
I’m so grateful for Valley View, a Bible-believe, welcoming, Christ-centered, Gospel-saturated, worshiping church. Keep praying that God would open doors for our church to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ across the South End of Louisville!
Screenshot from Boomerang Official