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Mark 9:38-41
In Mark 9:38 John informs Jesus that they had seen a man cast out a demon in the name of Jesus, but the man was not with them or one of those who followed them, so they forbid the man to do so because he was not one of them.
Jesus replied that the man could not do so without being on their side, and in so could not be against them. Jesus also promises that this man will receive his reward for his actions.
This is a promise that God is working in the lives of others and that we should not battle each other for position in Christianity.
The Apostle Paul declares in Galatians 3:26-28 (NKJV), “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The disciples of Jesus saw someone doing the same thing they were, and they began to rebuke the man because he was not one of them. Jesus says that someone who is not against you is on your side (Mark 9:40).
We should not try so hard to compete for positioning in our salvation and relationship with God as we are all working toward the same goal. But we should be encouraging to one another to help us all grow in Christ and reach our potential as disciples of Jesus.
Dear LORD,
There is competition in the hearts of man; we all have it in some way, shape, or form. But help us to see that striving to follow Your will for our lives and to utilize the gifts You give us is no competition, but an opportunity to combine our forces in Christ Jesus to do our part in sharing the gospel with all nations and peoples. In Jesus name I pray, amen.