Where do we Fall? Matthew 25: 31-46

Dear Family,
I grew up in McPherson, and i loved and love my hometown, but as a kid, my good friend and i wrestled for a team from a town north of McPherson. We wrestled for Salina Kids Club, and a lot was expected of those who wrestled for Bobby Stein. Our coach was the loudest in the gym. We were supposed to be in the best shape. And we were disciplined, hard working, and we never quit. When we showed up, on Saturdays, for the tournaments, with that maroon and gold singlet and warm up, we were expected to honor the Salina on the uniform. We did our best to fulfill the expectation, and we did our best to represent our team well.

We all know certain coaches, at the college level, who demand excellence from their players and their fans. To jeopardize the name, the team, well that could cause the coach to withdraw one's right to cheer for that team or play for that team. We find ourselves wanting to make sure we keep the standard that is expected. We would do all we could to protect the larger name.

And yet, when it comes to our faith, as Christians, i wonder if we have the same committment? Dedication? Matthew 25: 31-46 involves a parable about the separating of sheep and goats. Why? Because the animals, who know the master's voice and demands, fail to live up to the name they represent. They do not embody the ethics of their master. What does he require? "Whatever you have done to one of the least of these, my sisters or brothers, you have done to me." Put another way, if you feed the hungry, you have fed me. If you clothe the naked, you have clothed me. And if you visit the sick, you have visited me.

Why does this become the standard by which the master divides his followers? Because his followers should know, already, what it means to follow and honor the master. We all should know what it means to honor Jesus. If we would do all we could to honor our workplace, our sports teams, our hometown, or our family lineage, then why wouldn't we also do whatever we could to honor the author of our faith?

There is no name greater than Jesus, and there should be no greater call then for His followers to honor Him. We wouldn't want to dishonor the name on our hearts, right? Amen.

Shalom,
jerry