You Can’t Be a Rockstar In Your Own Hometown

Have you ever noticed that sometimes those who know you well don’t expect you to be good at something? Just because they know you, doesn't mean they "really know you." They might believe you aren’t capable of providing any sort of value to them. You constantly feel you have to prove yourself, until they finally learn that you do have God-given spiritual gifts, valuable skills and knowledge.

Think about the historic landmarks or awe inspiring landscapes in your hometown ... Why can’t they be "rock stars" in our eyes? People travel from far away to visit these landmarks in our towns! As natives, we may say, “Oh Yes, I have this cool historic landmark in my own backyard, but I’d rather go across the country to see the biggest ball of yarn!”

Let's look at an example of how this relates to parents and children.

Parents to Kids

Parents tell their kids that their future spouse should have the same Biblical foundations, morals, values and beliefs. If not, the relationship is highly likely to fail...and the kids may disregard the "parental" years of wisdom and expertise.

However, if a stranger gives them this very same counsel, then 'HEY' it’s really great advice!  What's worse is if the kids don’t consider their parents’ advice and wind up learning the hard way. I suppose then they would later realize that their parents did have valuable knowledge and wisdom.

What about from child's perspective? 

Kids to Parents

A parent is having trouble with their cell phone and the child offers advice to the parent. The parent may dismiss the "expertise" of their child and visit the cell phone store. They pay to get their phone fixed, however, the person at the store (probably another young person) just "googled the answer" and fixed the problem. 

I’m sure you can think of several examples from your own experiences.

Guess who else this happened to? Jesus. God’s Word stands in any situation and it consistently proves itself!

It happened to Jesus

Like Mark 6:1-6 says ... (also in Matthew 13:54-58):

1 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 

2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 

3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 

5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 

6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Imagine how the people in Jesus’ hometown felt after the resurrection! They must have thought ‘Wow - we should have paid more attention to Him and what He was trying to tell us!’

What might we learn from this? 

What now?

Perhaps we should be quicker to honor the people and places that are close to us. After all, God loves us all the same and we all have God-given gifts to offer others. You never know...whatever you do for others could have a far-reaching impact.

Perhaps this concept could help us in our ministries. Who says that a ministry requires you to travel to far away places to help someone? Our reality is that God has you right where you’re needed and your local community can benefit from the gifts you have to offer....and when you have the Fruit of the Spirit, you’re naturally going to share those gifts - physically or financially. 

What if you are the one in need? Perhaps someone close to you can fill your needs better than someone who is far away.

Here is an eternal truth from scripture: God has it all under control and we need to trust Him. I know that prayer certainly helps me with remembering that God is in control. I find that opening up to God and laying it all out to Him in prayer is a great way of bringing to light all of the things that are on your heart. In addition to this, our prayers are pleasing to God (Rev 5:8 ...they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.)

Also - added bonus: Sometimes when we pray, God reveals 'answered prayers' that we hadn't realized were answered until we've prayed.

Doubting those close to me...I'm guilty of it too!...But if it happened to Jesus, I’m not surprised that it could happen to me (and it has!). My takeaway from all of this is that I am going to need to try my best to give more honor to the people and places that are close to me.

Godspeed to you

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