If you follow the history of the National Football League, you are probably familiar with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis' slogan “commitment to excellence”. The slogan seemed quite fitting back when the Raiders won 3 Super Bowls between 1976 and 1983. Now, the once proud franchise (and owner) appear to be in disarray. The team struggles to have a winning record, fires coaches on a routine basis, and is considered a laughing stock of the league.
That only happens out in the “secular” world though, right? Well, the Israelites had a proud history out being God's chosen people that were delivered from bondage and given the promised land. However, they often failed to remember why these great moments in their history occurred and focused on “their” strength (or weakness) instead of relying on God. Many Jews during Jesus' day thought they had everything figured out and wound up missing out on the Messiah, the cornerstone of our faith (Romans 9:33). Another example is Judas, one of the 12 disciples, who wound up selling out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 27:3-10).
Certainly, none of us are perfect and we all lose focus. Peter is a great example of this as he walked on water (Matthew 14:27-30), preached the sermon at Pentecost where 3,000 were saved (Acts 2:38-41), and was crucified upside down because he told the authorities that he was not worthy to die in the same fashion as Jesus. However, at times he lost focus chopping off a Roman soldier's ear (John 18:10), denying Christ 3 times before the crucifixion (John 18:25-27), and wanting to build altars to Moses and Elijah on the mountain instead of focusing on Christ (Mark 9:5-7).
We are told to live in “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). Fortunately, we are also given the truth that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). So, are you ready to live a life dedicated to Christ where others see the commitment to excellence you display?
Showing posts with label coach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coach. Show all posts
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Ultimate Quarterback
Have you ever watched a football game and seen a receiver leap in the air for a pass thrown over the middle? This type of play especially catches my attention when the defender(s) is (are) ready to knock the receiver’s head off. The amount of trust the receiver places in the quarterback is huge (as his career could be ended by a huge hit on any given play…and this play is particularly risky to the receiver). The quarterback certainly doesn’t want to the receiver to get hit (or hurt) for no purpose. However, making a large gain sometimes comes at a cost (whether it is a hard hit that requires extra time in the whirlpool the following week or a serious injury).
God is the greatest quarterback because he knows what is needed to advance His kingdom. His passes are always on target for the route we are supposed to run. Missed opportunities (incompletions) only occur when we run the wrong route (being in our will instead of God’s) or when we see the defenders lurking (challenges in the world) and refuse to leap in the air for the ball (lack of faith). There are times when our bodies and mind may be rattled by the hits put on us by the defenders, but our obedience advances God’s cause. However, if a Christian’s career on Earth is ended in serving God (dying in the firm grip of His will), he/she has contributed to something much greater than the game of football. God can use our witness long after we have played our last play on Earth (see the account of Stephen’s death in Acts 7:54-60 which led to the conversion of Saul in Acts 9:1-30 as an example).
So, the real question is who (or what) are we willing to leap over the middle for? Do you trust God enough to follow His will? What about when it looks like doom and gloom are all around and just waiting to pounce? Are we willing to pay the temporary price it may take to work as tools for the greatest quarterback of all time to lead His team (that He created…least I forget that God is also the Coach, GM, and owner of His team) to victory? He’s already won the game (so our obedience or lack thereof won’t affect the final outcome), but wouldn’t it be great to be able to be a tool and catch some passes from the greatest quarterback of all time and advance His cause?
God is the greatest quarterback because he knows what is needed to advance His kingdom. His passes are always on target for the route we are supposed to run. Missed opportunities (incompletions) only occur when we run the wrong route (being in our will instead of God’s) or when we see the defenders lurking (challenges in the world) and refuse to leap in the air for the ball (lack of faith). There are times when our bodies and mind may be rattled by the hits put on us by the defenders, but our obedience advances God’s cause. However, if a Christian’s career on Earth is ended in serving God (dying in the firm grip of His will), he/she has contributed to something much greater than the game of football. God can use our witness long after we have played our last play on Earth (see the account of Stephen’s death in Acts 7:54-60 which led to the conversion of Saul in Acts 9:1-30 as an example).
So, the real question is who (or what) are we willing to leap over the middle for? Do you trust God enough to follow His will? What about when it looks like doom and gloom are all around and just waiting to pounce? Are we willing to pay the temporary price it may take to work as tools for the greatest quarterback of all time to lead His team (that He created…least I forget that God is also the Coach, GM, and owner of His team) to victory? He’s already won the game (so our obedience or lack thereof won’t affect the final outcome), but wouldn’t it be great to be able to be a tool and catch some passes from the greatest quarterback of all time and advance His cause?
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