Last Man Standing

 

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:1-7 ESV).

 

Recently I read a post on social media from a friend as he bemoaned the thought of aging as he experienced the death of his contemporaries. I replied to the thread by saying, “Getting older has an entirely different meaning of ‘last man standing’ when we realize it is a lonely spot.” I’ve also found that to be true in other situations. I was never a “great” athlete, which often resulted in being picked near the last for any neighborhood or schoolyard games.

 

Rejection in any form can be very hurtful. God made us to be in relationship with one another. We desire acceptance and relationship. It’s comforting to know Christ has accepted us. And by accepting one another as Christ did, we honor God. I am never doubtful about the acceptance I have received in Christ; however, I wonder how well do we accept one another? How well do we mirror Christ’s love and acceptance? We know that we are called to become more like Jesus. But so often we build walls instead of breaking them down.

 

If I have learned anything through the years, we tend to exclude those who appear to have differing views than ours. This is especially true in the topics that have so consumed us in recent years. Of course, there should always be room for civil discourse and debate. However, from the look of many posts on social media, we tend to be anything but civil in our approach.

 

The Scripture leaves no room for superiority thinking. Believers are called to be accepting of one another with the standard set by Christ himself, realizing that there are the weak and the strong, the strugglers and the achievers. Accepting includes making others feel they belong. Those who confess “I belong to Jesus” know that they have been accepted by Christ. “Last Man Standing” is not a pleasant place to be when it comes to our relationship with others. The grace we have received demands that we extend the same to others.