relationships (Mark 9:38-50) The Dangers of Deflection

(Mark 9:38-50)

38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

In the verses just previous to these, we saw Jesus talking to the disciples about being humble, like a child.  And now John tries to deflect... which is still looking at others as competition.  Classic sinful human behavior.  When someone tells us what we have done wrong, we say, "But look at THAT person over there!"  

Not only is this wrong to do, but John was pointing out someone who was actually doing God's work!  This is slander.  And when we really look at the details around the false accusation, it was giving the demonic realm credit for God's work.  Also, take careful note in verse 38, John's criticism was that the person was doing things in God's name, but was not following THEM.  We do need to constantly look at the "logs" in our own eyes, confess our sins, and make sure that WE are focused on the Lord, and are encouraging others to remain focused on the Lord!

If a person is a true Christian (Christ follower), and is doing and saying things in the Lord's name, love, guidance and power... we should be very excited about this!  Encouraging those people!  Praying for those people!  Sadly, I've heard too many people trying to compare their churches with others.  Look, unless there is solid proof that a church has gone astray in their doctrines, we need to rejoice at the fact that people are going to a good church!  Even if it isn't our church!  To put down and tear down another church just so ours looks better - is to do the work of Satan!

We are told to pray for all spiritual leaders, all churches, all fellow Christians- so that we all continue to strive in God's steadfast love and truth!  It's not about us.  It is about God, and how much God loves everyone, and desires that all come to know Him in a personal relationship.