Being the new player on the team is not an envied position. Often, you arrive to a system that has been operating without you, and you have to find your way in.
The current players are wary because one of their positions might be jeopardized. If you have ever been the new one, you know the feelings of anxiety this can cause. What makes this anxiety worse is when you are not welcomed with gracious words but shut out with harsh language.
We all know our words matter, especially when speaking to someone new or outside our everyday environment. What we say and how we act towards them leaves a lasting impression. If our words are gracious towards outsiders, we have shown them the type of love God would. If not, we have not set a good example of godly love.
Our job here on earth is to point people to Christ. Our words and actions either draw people closer or push them farther away. There is no need to become defensive when a new person enters our world because, as followers of Christ, we do not live in scarcity but in abundance.
There is enough love, talent, and space for God’s people. We do not need to fear because we know abundance in Christ, even if what we have here on earth slips away.
So, if the new player takes your spot on the team, we are still called to show love and grace towards them. Why? Because our identity isn’t in our sport but in God. |
