Teamwork

Success in life's endeavors usually involves some dependence on others. Those who try to go it alone soon discover that they don't have all the answers and that the way becomes quite lonely. When God created Adam it wasn't very long before He also created Eve so that they could work together and provide each other with companionship.

In our spiritual life we also need others. Just as in athletic competition there is a need for a coach and the fellow team members, so it is true in the race we run as Christians. In Hebrews 12:7 we read, "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons..." Any father will admonish and discipline his son in order to motivate him toward success. The same is true with God, our Father. As a matter of fact the scripture goes on to say that if God does not chasten us that we are "illegitimate and not sons." God is like a coach. He leads, motivates, and corrects us so that we can compete in such a way as to secure victory.

Team members are also invaluable. Hebrews 12:12 indicates that our fellow participants are there to "strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for our feet..." All of us have times when we sense weakness. We need someone to come along and give us support. John Donne said, "No man is an island" and that is especially true when it comes to Christian living. We need each others support.

As you run the race of life look around and discover others from whom you may draw support. Constantly turn to the Coach for guidance. We are not alone.

Keep Your Batteries Charged

Life tosses a myriad of challenges, disappointments and energy draining situations at us almost daily. Many become depressed and frustrated. Just keeping above water often seems to be an accomplishment. Various diversions including vacation time becomes necessary in order to stay fresh and up to the daily routine.

The believer's challenges are not only similar but also intensified as the enemy Satan does all he can do discourage us and drain all our spiritual energy. If our spirit is the engine that drives our activity, our mind is the battery that keeps the spirit charged up. Scripture admonishes us to "not be weary in well doing." In our Olympic race we are given the key to a fully charged mind. Hebrews 12:2-4 tells us that the example of Jesus is that key. We are to be reminded that He "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..., has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

While the life events that faced Jesus were not pleasant, He was able to face them because of the accomplishment they would make. He looked into the future and was filled with joy because his death on the cross would secure life for each of us. Likewise, we must see the work that God intends to accomplish through our spiritual race. Seeing the purpose of God will keep our spiritual batteries in order. In addition Jesus knew that He was about the Father's plan and that upon its completion He would rejoin the Father and be at his right hand. We also have that motivation. Jesus has promised us that He has gone to prepare a place for us and will return for us. Scripture tells us that when we are absent from the body we will be present with the Lord.

When your life's race is over God will have accomplished his plan in you and those you have impacted. He will then welcome you into his presence. What greater charge could we have. With our minds focused on his purpose and his promise we can take whatever the enemy throws at us and never break our stride forward for God.

The Christian's Olympic Game

The carrying of the Olympic torch has been much in the news lately. In a little over three months the games will begin. For a much longer period of time preparations have been underway by the athletes who will compete. For a long time each one of the participants has kept the Olympic goal in mind as they poured forth every effort to be ready. For each of them the Olympic motto "One World One Dream" has probably translated in their minds as the greatest dream in their world is to have victory at the games.

As Christians we are participants in a world Olympic game as well. Our "One World One Dream" is to make an impact for Christ during our lifetime that will have an eternal result. In Hebrews 12:1-2 we are given the basic rules of the game. "...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." The basic rules of the Christian's life are the same as those for an athlete in any competition: exclusion, endurance and expectancy.

In our Christian race we must exclude things that will impede our progress. We must endure whatever hardships or price that loom before us. And, finally, we must focus our minds upon the goal. For us that goal is to faithfully represent Christ to the end so that we may hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." A high school coach I know always reminded his team members that if there is "No pain, no gain!" Just as athletes prepare for Olympic competition with years of sweat and discipline, we also must be prepared to expend ourselves in running the race for Christ.

A Popeye Mentality

Years ago one of the early animated features was Popeye the sailor man. I always enjoyed watching Popeye rescue his girlfriend Olive Oil. In so doing he had to defeat Brutus his archenemy. The key to all of Popeye's success was the power he gained from eating spinach. Whenever his strength grew weak he would down a can of spinach and immediately be propelled to victory. He would always say, "I am what I am and that's what I am. I'm Popeye the sailor man."

The other day I read in I Corinthians 15:10, "By the grace of God I am what I am." It was the phrase "I am what I am" that reminded me of the Popeye character. While Popeye was nothing more than a fictional character, I saw some parallels. We are in a constant battle with God's archenemy Satan. He constantly tries to conquer us at times of weakness. He puts forth every effort to keep us from ministering to the needs of others whom he has captured. When we oppose him in our own strength we will always fail. But we have a resource. We have a source of unlimited power. That source is Christ in us. Whenever we draw upon his power we are propelled to victory in our personal lives and enabled to rescue others from the enemy's grasp.

When we say "by the grace of God I am what I am" there are many things included. I am a friend of God whereas I used to be an enemy. I am a personal representative of God in the world in which I live. I am a servant on behalf of God to those who have needs. Most wonderfully, I am an object of Jesus love and a channel through which his love may be experienced by those in captivity to the enemy. What a privilege to be what I am in Christ Jesus.

The Fear of Change

Today marks my last day on the job as a teacher. Due to low enrollment our Christian school may not even open in the fall. Monday is my first day of training for a brand new job. Most of us are creatures of habit. We don't look forward to changes. They challenge our sense of security. I have never been one who liked changes. I came across a saying by Irene Peter who said, "Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed." There are two elements of truth to that statement that encourage me as I face change.

First, human nature and behavior is much the same no matter where we might go. Whether I face students at school or adults in another workplace the same relational aspects exist. In both cases there is a desire for acceptance and recognition. In both cases there are those who do as little as possible and yet expect much in return. I know that the secret to success is to remember the biblical advice of Luke 6:31, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." People will respond positively when we seek to understand and meet their needs.

A second and more important truth that doesn't change no matter where we go is that as Christians we know that God is with us. He seeks to use us to attract others to himself. He also promises us inner blessing when we faithfully represent Him. Everything external may be different but internally there has been no change. God is still there and still provides the direction needed to have a successful testimony. That assurance makes facing change possible.

If you are facing changes in your life, your job, your finances or anything else God will enable a successful transition as you trust Him. If that is your experience, join me in an adventure with God.

You Can Depend On It

"I'll get that done right away." "The check is in the mail." "Consider it done." These are all statements people have made to us expressing assurance that we need not be concerned about the issue at hand. Often, however, there is cause for our concern.

On one occasion I made a purchase and later learned that by following a certain procedure I could save over $200 on that purchase. I returned to the store and submitted the required paperwork for the savings and the secretary promised to have the bookkeeper call to confirm the transaction the next day. Two days went by with no call. I called the store again and was promised that one of the four office workers would call right back. There was no call. Finally, at the end of the day I called once more and spoke with the person who "had my paperwork in hand" and was processing the request. He said he would call back as soon as he finished. He didn't. At least the savings was finally approved some time later.

Experiences like that tend to diminish our faith and trust in people. The problem is that this scenario repeats itself daily. Few people demonstrate dependability. When someone does follow through and get the job done he or she becomes the sought after person. We ask for that person when we really need to get something done. That dependable person becomes a person we trust and seek out.

Our dependability enriches others. People have less stress and irritation in their lives when there is someone they know will not fail them. Our dependability demonstrates that we really care about a person's needs and will take whatever action is necessary to meet them. Our dependability places a value on the felt needs of those around us. When we are dependable we will be sought out not just to do various tasks but as a trusted, caring friend.

What's In a Name?

There's probably nothing people like to hear more than the mention of their own name. But just what is in a name? The other day one of my students came from his history class. They had been studying Presidents and their famous sayings. The history teacher had assigned each student to come up with his own saying. This student's saying was "The name your given isn't as important as the name your livin'" He wondered if he would be famous for his saying. As I thought about this student's saying, the biblical character Saul came to mind. After he met Jesus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 he received a new name. In Acts 13:9 we read, "Then Saul, who also is called Paul..." It was a Roman name that means "humble." Paul was not only given a new name but he lived the name he was given. It was Paul who in Philippians 4:11 said, "I have learned in whatever state I am to be content." His life was one of humble service to the Lord. I also thought about a new name each of us was given when we trusted Jesus as Savior. We became a Christian. Sometimes that new name doesn't mean much. Our lives don't picture the Christ of the name Christian. Perhaps we need to listen to that student's saying here carefully. Being called a Christian is not nearly as important as living life as a Christian. Just as Saul's life exhibited a dramatic change, so our life must do so as well. We are now to emulate the love, humility, service, forgiveness and availability of Christ.