Which scoreboard are you using for your life?

Jesus taught the world’s scoreboard for success is different from God’s. Success is defined differently in the Kingdom of God than in the kingdoms of this world. Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

As a member of God’s Kingdom, the world cannot “score” you because God keeps a different score! Some of us need to change teams and start keeping a different score!

How the world scores vs. how God scores…

The world’s scoreboard values the temporal; God values the eternal. (See Mark 1:15) The kingdoms of this world will all decay and fade away. But the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ will last forever!

Mark 9:33-35, Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

The world’s scoreboard values being “first” — serving “self.” God values being last — serving others. (See Mark 9:33-35) The world’s value system is full of self-promotion, position, and competition.

Mark 9:38-40, Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side.

The world’s scoreboard values competition; God values communion. (See Mark 9:38-40) On “essentials” we have unity. On the “non-essentials” we give each other liberty.

Mark 10:13-14, Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

The world’s scoreboard values hierarchy; God values humility. (See Mark 10:13-14) The world says some are more “important” than others. To God everyone is a VIP—a very important person.

Mark 10:21-22, Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

The world’s scoreboard values prosperity; God values generosity. (See Mark 10:21-22) Money is neither moral, nor immoral. It is not how much you have that matters to God, but rather what you do with what you have.

Mark 10:42-45, But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

The world’s scoreboard says to live positionally; God says to live sacrificially. (See Mark 10:42-45)

The world’s scoreboard says some are expendable; God says every person is essential. (See Mark 10:46-52)

Today some of us need to change teams!

Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Get on the winning side! Become a member of God’s Kingdom by receiving God’s Son! Every Kingdom has a King. And the King of God’s Kingdom is God’s Son. But if He is not your King you are on the wrong side.

Ep. 29: Thanksgiving/Week 12 NFL w/ Cousin Sal