Tag Archives: example

God's love, Jesus, love, relationships

Winning and losing with grace

While watching football highlights last night, I observed that there were at least four rivalry games that were marred by ugly finishes.

In each of these games, the winning team rushed to the opponent’s logo and attempted to stick their team’s flag into the center. Pushes and shoves became full-fledged brawls. In Columbus, Ohio, police had to resort to pepper spray to break up the fight.

Emotions run high at these games. Rivalries matter. Passion runs rampant with wins and losses.

But what happened to winning with grace? Losing with grace?

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13

We place too much emphasis on not just winning- but dominating. I win and you lose. And when you lose I’m going to tell you about it. I feel better when you feel worse. I’m going to “plant my flag” as a sign of disrespect for you.

This carries over to our daily lives. We can secretly find comfort in the failure of our neighbors…when those around us get humbled at work or at home. “They finally got what they deserved.”

As Christians we are called for more. To love others. To help those who hurt. To celebrate success and to share in others’ success.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

How can we keep ourselves in check when passion, excitement and enthusiasm go to far?

  1. Remember to keep everything in perspective. Our lives are built upon thousands of events- some big and some small. We learn from each and every experience, and that with perspective and experience comes maturity. As my grandmother used to say- don’t let your highs be too high or your lows be too low. Humility is a learned behavior.
  2. Pray for awareness of those suffering around you. One of the best ways to keep humble is to help those around us who are hurting. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
  3. Remember that we are a walking witness for Jesus. People all around us are watching everything we do. At work. At home. At football games (ouch). In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Our actions speak so much more loudly than our words.

The is week I will pray for a more tender heart. I want to see others who I disagree with me as “people,” not as opponents. I want to show others the grace that our Heavenly Father has extended to me.

And let me know how I can pray for you.

God bless you and I love you.

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Respect those folks

It’s the week of the Thanksgiving holiday. Like many of you, we’ll be hosting family and friends over a three day period. It’s a time for fellowship and food…and THE occasion where we are continually reminded to be thankful and aware of all our blessings.

I was reading in Proverbs a little earlier this morning. One passage struck me in the heart as I studied:

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Proverbs‬ ‭16:31‬

Gray hair is a crown. Gained in a righteous life.

This verse tells me two things. First, gray hair is a crown of glory…it symbolizes wisdom and discernment.

Next, gray hair is gained in a righteous life. It’s the result of life experience- and doing the right things for a long time.

This Thanksgiving holiday I will pray for a couple of things. I’ll pray that I take the time to observe and listen to those “gray” folks in my life. I’ll make an effort to watch their behavior and listen to their stories.

Next, I’ll try to realize that I’m starting to turn “gray” too. I’ll pray for more awareness that younger family members are watching for Christ’s example in me…and for me to share my failures and successes with them.

Experience is the greatest teacher.

Please pray for me to be more aware and awake this holiday season. And please let me know how to pray for you.

God bless.

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Smoking weed in San Diego

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I’m in San Diego for a conference this week.  I’ve enjoyed the city- especially the weather.

Yesterday I went for a run from the conference hotel.  I walked down to an intersection to cross over into a park- and was met by a strange odor in the air.  It was sharp, distinctive and permeated the air around me.  I looked sideways at two young men standing next to me and quickly determined the source.

These guys were smoking marijuana.  In broad daylight. At the corner of a busy intersection.

I was stunned, but it obviously wasn’t a rare occurrence for these two.  Isn’t this illegal? They causally talked and laughed while they waited for their bus.

The light turned green and I ran across the street into the park.  But I couldn’t get the thought out of my head.  It was just a strange sight.

I later found out that this wasn’t illegal at all.  If you are 21 and follow certain rules, public usage of marijuana is perfectly legal in California.  It wasn’t agains the law at all.

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:9

It made me think of my own life…and how my behavior and attitude might shock others.

The times that I show greed or envy.  The opportunities to show mercy- but I don’t.  When anger takes over my thoughts and I secretly harbor ill feelings toward others.

Thoughts of anger, greed or envy aren’t illegal, but they are unproductive.  When I display those tendencies, I can hurt others or diminish my influence as one who loves Jesus.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:17

Pray for me to be a better example to others.  I want to show Jesus in my life- even when  I think that no one is watching.

And let me know how to pray for you.

God bless.

 

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What it takes to be an All-American

It’s been an enjoyable time of year for college football fans, especially for those who are watching their teams compete for bowl wins- or better yet- a championship.

It’s a time to reflect on players who are chosen to be All-Americans. These athletes are recognized for their ability to run, throw, catch or block.  It’s the ultimate honor for players who have set themselves apart on the playing field.  It doesn’t come easy…but their skills are honed by hours and hours of practice and repetition.

This begs a question.

Am I willing to be an All-American in my walk with Christ?

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.  Colossians 3:23-24

We all have the potential to be great examples, but it takes work.  Discipline. Commitment.

I struggle with this daily.  Am I fulfilling my role as a Christian?  Am I the husband, father, son, friend and servant that Jesus calls me to be?  The answer is often “no.”  I’m not preparing myself for greatness.

I need to remember that someone is watching me at all times.  My wife.  My children.  My parents.  My co-workers.

I need to continually ask if myself if my actions are consistent with a Christ-centered life.  Most importantly,  I need to be honest with that answer and have the courage to make the changes and sacrifices that are necessary.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

My prayer this week is to have the discipline to act “as one approved.”

Let me know how I may pray for you.  God bless.

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