Reflection is the Better Part of a Champion

Devotion Sharing at ACSP, Barker Road (Thurs, 30 Apr 09, 7:30AM)

You want to be a leader? Be faithful!

Good morning teachers, parents and ACSP boys.

I’m going to ask a question based on the assumption that most of you here have watched the movies ‘Transformers‘ and ‘Kung Fu Panda ‘. By the way, the new Transformers movie, the sequel called Revenge of the Fallen will be out in the cinemas late June this year. If you think you know the answer, just raise your hand and I’ll call you to come up to the front and give the answer.

What do the the characters ‘Bumble Bee’ and ‘Po the Panda’ have in common? Think in terms of their behaviour and the way they did their work.

They’re both faithful and loyal to the people above them and those around them as well. This is despite doing all the small and seemingly insignificant tasks. Po the panda works hard at his father’s noodle shop serving him and his customers although he longs to fulfill his dreams. Bumble Bee is one of the smallest Autobots but he has a big heart when it comes to protecting the people around him.

These 2 characters highlight a couple of important lessons when we look at what the bible says about faith and character.

Bible text: Matthew 24:45-47

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”

Jesus was talking to his disciples about the future when He’s no longer around but He’s about to make a return to this earth. Yes, He is coming back. Sounds like the movie ‘Lord of the Rings Return of the King ‘ and ‘Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia ‘.

They were concerned about how they should prepare for His return. Jesus’ instruction was simple: the best way to live this life while waiting (no one will know exactly when He’ll return – totally unpredictable), is to take care of His people and do His work. Its that easy and its that hard at the same time.

Who is a faithful and sensible servant? God did not say He’s looking for the smartest, the good looking or the richest person. That has never been His success criteria when He considers the work we’re doing. He looks at our heart, our character more than anything else. Notice the word ’servant’ is used and not boss, manager or the top guy. It’s about a servant serving his servants. That’s the kind of leader God is looking for – A servant-leader demonstrating faithfulness in terms of loyalty, being a promise-keeper and staying in faith.

That same question can be asked by your parents and teachers. For example, the boys in P2G, 4I or ACSP as a whole, who is the wise and faithful servant who cares for the people around him and who does the work given to him excellently and responsibly?  Who continues to do that faithfully even when the teacher or parent is not physically there to watch over him?

That’s the kind of guy that will make God smile, sit up and take notice and say that’s the guy I’m going to bless big time because he’s trustworthy and he loves God and the gem of His creation: people.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving us clear instructions on what to do while we wait for your return. Help us to be wise and faithful in serving you and loving people. We know we are responsible for what you’ve given and we pray for a heart that will stay faithful to you in all circumstances. Amen.