NO SKIN IN THE GAME

NO SKIN IN THE GAME!

Acts 4:32

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

John 10:12-13

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

Having skin in the game means to have a stake in some activity, so that you share directly in the successes and failures of that activity. John 10 has long been linked with lazy and careless pastors – and it certainly fits – but I think it fits equally well with nominal, uninvolved church members.

The members of the early church all had skin in the game! They first gave their heart and so they shared a common love. Love of God first and then love of one another. It made a huge difference in both attitudes and actions. Next they gave their possessions which, for some, is a more difficult thing to do. One of the first things our parents teach us is how to share.

Church members who do not share the work load seem willing to allow others to carry it all. Those who do not invest in the carpet are more likely to complain about its color or texture or quality. The whole church program often becomes tasteless because they are enjoying a free ride. They have no personal investment in the church’s success or failure. The result is a careless attitude which actually contributes to failure.

Do you have skin in the success of your church? Do you attend it regularly – even when it is inconvenient? Do you share in the work load? Do you teach a class or work in some ministry? Do you tithe your income? If you can’t trust God enough to tithe, do you contribute financially to your church’s success? If you do then you likely agree with all that I have just said. If you don’t then you are probably offended.

           A guy named Araunah was willing to give King David his threshing floor as a platform on which to offer sacrifices. King David responded that a sacrifice should actually cost something.

2 Sam 24:24

24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord  my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

Dear Lord, bless all those believers today who have some skin in the game. AMEN