Ephesians 4:2-6

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

TRUTH FOR TODAY: We have faith in Christ

“Athleticism”

Are you an NFL fan? This year’s draft of professional footballers was a fascinating process. In summary: teams spend millions analyzing athletes coming out of college (there are a few Canadian players drafted), then analysts review each team’s pick by giving an opinion about the quality of the choice by the team. The camera switches between the new draftee, fans cheering, and the team’s “draft room;” all the while comments fly back and forth from a variety of people in sports. 

If you listen closely, you’ll hear the word “athleticism” over and over again. It’s used like this, “Tom has great hands, amazing strength and speed, and he’s definitely one of the top linesmen in this draft. Teams are really big on this kid’s athleticism.” After a few minutes, you’ll notice its overuse. 

What do they mean when they use this word? Aren’t all professional athletes in football better athletes than the rest of us? Do they mean speed? Quickness? Strength? Ability to jump? Or is it everything that just means, “He’s even better than these other really great athletes?

In this selected passage from Ephesians, there is a word from the Apostle Paul that is used within Christian circles often: humble. The thought is, “Christians should be humble.” But my question is, “What do you mean by how you’re thinking of the word, ‘humble’?”

My perception is that people are using it to mean Christians should not be confident. And while “arrogance” might be debated, that is not the biblical meaning of humility. 

Another reading, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 

In essence, Christians do not think themselves better than anybody else as it pertains to our status before God. That is, we know we are separated from God as a natural state of the human condition. Nothing of our own merits has ever, or will ever, fix that separated state. And believers, “having been made low” (humbled) by God, are grateful for this awareness that points to a right relationship with God.

As to abilities, there is nothing wrong with knowing you have strengths in certain areas, and that other people have strengths in areas where you are less gifted. Specifically, you should be confident in Christ’s ability to save, confident in Holy Spirit’s promise to give you certain gifts, and confident in your status with God through Christ. 

We’re not better than other people. We are grateful God showed us the true state of our disconnect from reality. 

As you encounter people who do not believe in God, consider a confidence in the One who saves, restores, and renews. 

I don’t believe in myself. I believe in God. And God has given you, and every believer, specific resources needed to advance God’s kingdom on earth. 

There is no way to get the NFL to stop overusing subjective words like athleticism, physicality and my favorite, “freak.” In the meantime, perhaps you and I can reclaim “confidence in Christ” as a way of saying “humble.” 

PRAYER: “Holy Spirit, teach me in the way of Jesus today. Amen.”

Want to sign up for the daily devotionals? They follow the current message series. Sign up HERE.

San Pedro puts together a fantastic, family friendly Vacation Bible School that families look forward to every summer. This year the dates are from July 15th through 19th. The cost is $10 per child/$20 per family max. Children entering pre-k 4 years old to 5th grade are welcome. Includes a T-shirt with this year's theme: Champions for Christ. It's an Olympic summer, but it will be an epic VBS at San Pedro. Register your child(ren):

HERE

San Pedro is a community of generous saints who contribute to local charities. Shown is the $15000 gifted to House of Neighborly Services in support of their new food pantry. Our Facilities manager, Jesus Ramirez, delivered the soup collected for Souper Bowl of Caring.

Pictured - House of Neighborly Services Executive Director, Sandra Morales, and Development Director, Linda Canizales, met with our Senior Pastor, Dr Bryan Stamper, to receive this latest gift from our surplus of funds. An unplanned gift, this money represents the faithfulness of San Pedro members to support organizations who bless our neighbors with food, clothing, and support services.

Read more about House of Neighborly Services here: https://hnstoday.org/

We hosted our first ever "Sundae Undie Sunday" event. The turnout was strong with 1,561 pairs of new children's undies collected in one day (and a lot of delicious sundaes were eaten).

All the items and some cash will be donated to Christian Assistance Ministries (aka CAM) here in San Antonio. You can read more about their ministries and service to needy folks in our community here - https://christianassistanceministry.org/

We're growing! With more children attending Sunday morning worship with their families, we're expanding our program into even more classrooms. We've got a team of teachers but we need more children's ministry helpers.

The Sunday morning program we host is a special time for children. Sign-up for specific Sundays through our Sign Up Genius link: HERE. Make a difference.

For more information, please contact our Children's Ministry leaders: Alicia Jeffrey & Madison Munoz at kids@sanpedropc.org.

[This is a transcribed letter we received from Jean Bakatubia on behalf of his family. They arrived legally in The United States in search of freedom and a better life].

Dear Pastor Bryan/entire congregation,

This thank you letter is intended to show our gratitude. I and my family to the church for all the love and support you have shown us.

I am thankful to you from the bottom of my heart for all the assistance you have given me and my family. When we cam to the US, we had no place to worship. But when we came to church, you welcomed us and you showed us love.

I want to thank Bobby, Dennis, Suzy and every one else for your sacrifice to provide us with transportation to and from church and other appointments.

I am now ready to give myself a ride, and I can't thank you enough.

Thank you for the love and support. This kind of love has taught me a lot and has increased my faith in the Lord.

Pastor thank you for welcoming my family and making us fell at home. I am happy to call you all friends. Thank you.

Yours in Christ,

Jean Bakatubia