Since we run our youth programs on Sunday night, I often miss out on some pop culture. I woke up this morning to find out Serena Williams had been disqualified from her match in the U.S. Open due her “abusing” the line judge (my favorite line, “I didn’t say I’ll kill you.”).
However.
The real shocker last night was Mr. Kanye West. For those of you who hadn’t heard, Kanye decided it would be a good idea to jump on stage at the VMA (Video Music Awards) and steal Taylor Swifts microphone in the middle of her acceptance speech to give Beyonce her “props” (see video here).
While a lot of people were upset last night, as Christians we do what Mr. West did more often than you think. I call it joy killing. When God chooses to elevate someone, we often get upset that we personally weren’t showcased or “our guy” didn’t win. James and John wanted to sit at the right and left of Christ in his reign. Jesus was quick to let them know that, “those places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” Christ is preparing to work through people that we don’t always want Him to work through. However, He alone has put them there a reasons that we may not fully understand. In the end He alone will be glorified.
Don’t panic.
The King of Kings is still in control.
So what do you do when God is working in ways that don’t please you? Remain steadfast and solid in obedience to Christ and continue to carry out the commandment of the great commission. When something doesn’t look right or feels out of place, remain steadfast in your relationship with God and seek Him more that you did before. Be obedient in the spiritual disciples. As you draw closer to Christ, you may even come to understand why He is doing what you can’t stand. As I watch the video tape closer, I realized that Mr. West did far more damage to himself last night than he did to Taylor Swift. As we saw in the end of the show, Taylor still got to deliver her acceptance speech due to Beyonce giving her time after winning her award (video here).
That’s class.
When you are quick to disqualify God and his sovereignty because you want to fight, your often doing more harm for the kingdom that good. Peter was about to throw down when they took Jesus away but Christ told Him to put down the sword. Now is not the time. While it may not look like this is what God had in mind, it often must take place for God to be glorified in the end. As Jesus says, “Don’t be frightened, these things must happen.”
So ask yourself,
- In your walk this week, have I disqualified someone else in the service of Christ?
- Who’s joy did i steal this week because I wanted to have the spotlight or “my guy” wasn’t on stage?
- Who’s mic did you take away because you opened your mouth?
God has certain people in certain places for a reason.
Don’t be a joy killer.
-jordan
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