Who are You Playing For?

By-and-large college athletics maintains a degree of purity that professional sports has lost. If you are not a sports fan, stick with me as this is not a story about sports per se.

Especially during the college football bowl season and the NCAA basketball tournament there are a number of human interest stories that transcend the athletic competition.

I’ve been moved by stories of athletes escaping war-ravaged homelands to achieve academic and athletic success along with much valued freedom; or of young men who have lost both parents due to drugs and gang violence and have successfully taken on the responsibility of raising their younger siblings while attending college and excelling in sports.

This past week, another inspiring story has risen above the excitement of athletic wins and losses.

Stephen Curry is a 20-year-old sophomore basketball player for Davidson College. Davidson is a 1,700 student liberal arts college near Charlotte, North Carolina. Curry played remarkably well and led his team to unprecedented success in the 2008 NCAA Basketball Tournament. While his accomplishments are record-worthy, what has gained significant notice are his feet—or what is on them.

On Curry’s NIKE basketball shoes, is a handwritten quote, “I can do all things…” Often this type of writing would be a sure sign of bravado or cockiness. That frequently happens in sports. Curry is different. He has exhibited a humility that's perfectly at odds with the statement he penned on his shoes.

"It's easy to give a lot of glory to yourself when you have a lot of success," Curry said in an ESPN.com interview. "And I could get into the mind-set that everything I'm doing is because of me. But I just can't think like that."

So it seems the writing on his shoes is not the product of a me-first mentality or an overblown ego lurking beneath a shell of false modesty. There just wasn't enough room to finish the quote.

"Oh, that," Curry said. "It's Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.' It's always been one of my favorite Bible verses. … I realize that what I do on the basketball court isn't a measure of my own strength. Having that there keeps me focused on the game, a constant reminder of Who I'm playing for."

Stephen Curry is an accomplished athlete. He is also an outstanding spokesman for Jesus in his own unique way.

It is helpful to realize that you too can be an outstanding spokesman for Jesus, and you don’t need to be an accomplished athlete. Curry used the opportunities and tools available to him to share his faith. You can too.

What is "your game?" What are you doing in the arena in which God has placed you that points to Him?

Knowing God's Instructions

The Des Moines Register carried an article and review of a new book by John Izzo, “The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.” The article noted that that the author interviewed two Iowans in his research. From a practical standpoint, it is helpful to filter life and current culture—including the multitude of books that are published, through the grid of what the Bible says. This aids in recognizing the intersection of faith and life. Consider Izzo’s “Five Secrets” in light of what the Bible teaches.

Secret #1: Be true to yourself. The author says you should have the discipline to listen to your heart to find out what makes you happy and the courage to follow that path and make it a priority. Examine how God contrasts Izzo’s secret in Genesis 6.5 and Matthew 16.24.

Secret #2: Leave No Regrets. Izzo teaches that when faced with a decision, you should think of yourself as an old woman sitting in a rocking chair near the end of life and ask yourself: What decision do I wish I had made? At the end of life you won’t regret risks you took. Measure this secret against Philippians 4.6; Ephesians 5.1; and, 1 Peter 2.21.

Secret #3: Become Love. The author claims that people who “become love” look at love as a choice rather than an emotion. Choose to become a loving person by loving yourself, eliminating self-critical thoughts and then making loving relationships with others a priority by not being critical. Reflect on these instructions in Matthew 22.39 and Ephesians 4.32.

Secret #4: Live the Moment. Izzo claims it is important to live fully in each moment, not looking back or forward or judging each moment, but being alive in each moment with gratitude. Consider this biblical measurement in Colossians 3.1-4.

Secret #5: Give More Than You Take. Last, Izzo encourages you to find a connection with others that is outside yourself, not focusing on finding personal happiness, love, fame and fortune, but in acts that improve the lives of others. Explore these commands in Romans 12.10; Philippians 2.3; and, Acts 20.35.

Relationships In the Church

Researchers like George Barna have noted that as our society has become more advanced technologically, we have become more disconnected.

The disengagement our fast-passed culture creates runs counter to everything we know and feel as human beings, and as Christians. Henry Cloud, in Changes that Heal, writes: Relationship [or connection], then, is at the foundation of God’s nature. Since we are created in his likeness, relationship is our most fundamental need, the very foundation of who we are. Without relationship, without attachment to God and others, we can’t be our true selves. We can’t be truly human.

As our church has explored a number of arenas in which we make choices to help us grow spiritually, we recently examined the context of being Family Centered.

Being Family Centered means making choices in my life that are consistent with my design to live and grow in vital relationships, including marriage, family, and biblical community.

More than 50 times in the New Testament, God gives us instructions on how to relate to others in the spiritual community. This list includes:

Be at peace with each other. (Mark 9:50)

Wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)

Love one another. (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; Romans 13:8;1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 1:22; 4:8;1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12; 2 John 5)

Be members of one another. (Romans 12:5)

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. (Romans 12:10)

Honor one another above yourself. (Romans 12:10)

Live in harmony with one another. (Romans 12:16)

Edify one another. (Romans 14:19)

Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you. (Romans 15:7)

Instruct one another. (Romans 15:14)

Greet one another with a holy kiss. (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20;2 Corinthians 13:12)

When you come together to eat, wait for each other. (1 Corinthians 11:33)

Have equal concern for each other. (1 Corinthians 12:25)

Serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Carry each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

Be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other. (Ephesians 4:32)

Speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. (Ephesians 5:19)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

In humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

Bear with each other and forgive one another. (Colossians 3:13)

Teach and admonish one another. (Colossians 3:16)

Make your love increase and overflow for each other. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

Encourage each other. (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11, 14; Hebrews 3:13; 10:25)

Spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. (James 5:16)

Live in harmony with one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:13; 1 Peter 3:8)

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:9)

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. (1 Peter 4:10)

Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. (Romans 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5)

Fellowship with one another. (I John 1:7)

These instructions lead us into deep personal relationships, to that intimate connection and care that is a part of authentic biblical community.

God’s design is that we live in relationship with other believers. A great next step is to explore the list and determine one way you can establish or further a relationship in the spiritual community that will help you continue to grow spiritually.

Perspectives on the Spiritual Journey

As I drove from Des Moines to St. Louis to spend Christmas with my family, the fog was, as they say, thick as pea soup.

During the early morning foggy drive, a number of parallels came to mind between my drive to St. Louis and my spiritual journey. These include:

Early in the journey there is uncertainty

While you can’t see the end, there is a clear path ahead

It is helpful to travel in groups

It is helpful to follow experienced travelers

You will gain courage and light as your journey continues

On journey, people make mistakes. Cut them some slack

You will pass some people and some people will pass you

There are rest stops along the way. Stopping stops your progress

Don’t miss your turnoff

Music helps

Take notes

There are perils around every corner

Push ahead hared and don’t lose patience with your progress

As you gain experience you will be able to lead others

Even after a long way, there are still foggy patches

Going too fast is dangerous

Too much focus on personal comfort will slow your progress

It is dangerous to follow anyone too closely

Pay attention to the signs

Focus, effort and discipline are required throughout the journey

Comparing Catastrophes

Recent reports on the situation of homeowners displaced by wildfires in the southern California, prompted some thought.

An update from Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, a make-shift refuge for some 12,000 people, detailed that: food and water donations have greatly exceeded the need; police/security is readily visible in significant force; the crowd has been extremely well-behaved. And it seems like the national media was present on the scene very early in the happenings.

It makes me wonder about the contrasts experienced during hurricane Katrina in the greater New Orleans area. Refugees at the Superdome had little food, water, police supervision, and in some cases—personal restraint. It also seemed that the national media was slow to pick up this story.

While the situations are different, some of the differences may bear consideration.

Why was the media slower to pick up the story in New Orleans? Why was there less enforcement of civil order in the Superdome and surrounding New Orleans? Why have food donations been so plentiful on the west coast? How is the difference in personal behavior among the affected residents in the two catastrophes to be explained?

Aside from logistics and disaster preparedness, the two groups of people present a number of other differences. These include social and cultural differences, economic and educational differences, and even differences in expectations. And it is true that some people are harder to love than others.

However, if I believe that ALL PEOPLE bear the imago dei, the image of God, then none of these differences should matter. If these differences did make a difference, it is a tragedy much worse than the hurricane itself.

Brett Farve Reminded Me of Sowing Seeds

Two weeks ago the football world, and especially fans of the Green Bay Packers, celebrated a new record. Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre threw a record-setting 421st touchdown pass. This is a tremendous accomplishment for the 38 year old veteran of 16 seasons playing professional football.

What is really significant—and important enough for our church newspaper, is what happened this past Sunday. Brett Favre set another historic passing record! Unfortunately fans did not cheer. You see, Favre threw a record-setting 279th interception. It is here that this football veteran brought to mind the parable told by Jesus in New Testament book of Matthew, chapter 13.

In Matthew 13, Jesus explains the trials and triumphs of the believer who goes out to tell others about Jesus, faith, and eternal life. The parallels of this story and the two recent records set by Bret Favre are astounding.

Jesus explains that when you attempt to explain your faith sometimes people will not catch on and Satan comes and “snatches away” the seed you’ve sown (v. 19). Just like 279 of Brett Favre’s passing attempts intercepted by the opponent.

But at the conclusion of His explanation (v. 23), Jesus says that some of your attempts to share your faith will be caught and produce remarkable results! Just like a number of Brett Favre’s successful pass attempts: many are caught that gained good ground “some thirty, some sixty” as the parable tells; and in Farve’s case, 423 have gone for touchdowns.

What is striking in both the parable and in Bret Farve’s career is the idea of persistence. Last season, Brett Favre had a terrible year, throwing 29 interceptions and only 20 touchdowns. Many thought he should retire; hang it up; give in to old age and discouragement. This is Satan’s goal for you in the area of sharing seeds of hope. He wants to intercept your passes, discourage you, and send you into retirement.

The parable serves to remind us that not every effort to tell others about our journey of faith will be successful. Some of our efforts will be received, but we will see little progress. And some will be significantly blessed by God and produce great results for His kingdom.

It can be helpful to remember that there are a multitude of people who need to hear the transforming message of salvation through Jesus. Satan wants to keep you out of the game. Be persistent. Who would you most like to see in the end zone?

Spiritual Exercise

After a busy two weeks, I returned to my routine of morning exercise at the YMCA. I know I am getting out of sync when this discipline falls by the wayside.

On Wednesday, I arrived much earlier than is my normal practice (since I got out of my usual practice, my timing was a little off). In fact, I arrived at 4:55 am, five minutes before the Y opened. I really don't like to get there and have to wait to get going because it gives my mind time to focus on the pain, sweat, and exhaustion that will be my world for the next hour (and that is just climbing the steps to the gym).

As I waited, trying not to focus on all of that, I counted thirteen people there. Waiting, eager and excited, passionate, about whatever form of exercise they would pursue in maintaining and furthering their physical health.

Later I wondered: why aren't more people this passionate about their spiritual health? How does the church get people to make exercising their spirit a priority that gets them up at 4:55 am? What does it take to get people locked into that type of committed relationship with Jesus? The author of Psalm 63 in the Bible writes about pursing that relationship with God "early" in the morning and late at night. He says he is refreshed by his encounters with God.

Anyway, the workout was hard, but I felt great the rest of the day. And then, maybe that is part of it--does your spiritual exercise leave you invigorated for the rest of the day?