* Are You Chicken?

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?
Luke 16:10-12 NLT

Are you chicken? No, this isn't about being afraid or having courage. It's about being faithful. You might ask how in the world being chicken has anything to do with faithful, but my pastor, Alan Neel, gave a GREAT illustration tonight and I'm going to share it with you here.

The lesson was about being the body of Christ and behaving like it. We're like a sports team - everyone plays the position to which they've been assigned. If members get hurt and are on the injured list, are there others who will pick them up and help to minister healing to them? Is there anyone to pick up the slack? Can the members of the body be counted as faithful to do what they say they will do?

Luke 6:44 NLT reads, A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. What fruit is evident in our lives? Pastor Alan provided a marvelous rule of thumb as an illustration to help us determine what sort of fruit can be seen in our lives by those who know us.

Say it's family reunion time and everyone is pitching in by bringing food. The big meal is planned, so they're working from a list of items that need to be brought for dinner. What's your assignment - Chicken or potato chips? Brisket or bread? You see, the main dish is always assigned to someone they know they can count on. Someone who will be on time and prepared. Bread and chips are assigned to those who might make it, but then again, might not. You never can tell - and chips or bread can be picked up at the local convenience store if need be.

So...are you chicken?

Prayer:

Father,
           Open our eyes to see the Truth about ourselves. Break hardened hearts to mold them into Your image. We want to be counted as faithful, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen