Colossians 3:1-3
Hebrews 12:2
Where is our focus in life? Some of us may focus on our schoolwork. Others may focus on a boyfriend/girlfriend, sports, family, etc. Now these aren't all necessarily bad things, but are they where our complete and total focus needs to be? God wants all of us, not just a part of us. He doesn't want us to take Him down when we need Him or on a Sunday morning or Wednesday night Bible study. He wants us to focus completely and totally on Him.
Sometimes we put so much effort and so much focus into these other things in our lives that they become like idols. I don't think we intend to make them idols, it just happens. We put more time into these other things and not enough time studying God's Word and spending time with Him. Our God is a jealous God and He wants all of us. From experience, I can tell you that when your focus is on schoolwork or one of these other things, life tends to get confusing and crazy and you don't know which way to turn. But when you stop and look up and put your focus back on God, things tend to fall back into place.
In Exodus 20:4-6, God tells us in one of the 10 Commandments "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." Our God is a jealous God. He wants all of us.
So does this mean we should just stop everything we're doing? Of course not! God wants all of us all of the time. So do everything in His glory! Sometimes in the middle of writing a paper that you really don't want to write, think about the fact that you're writing it for God. How would He want you to do on it? How would He want you to spend your time? Focus on what God wants you to do rather than what you think you should be doing! God will take care of us. He has a perfect plan for our lives (Jer. 29:11). Just give Him your all. So think about it. Where is your focus?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Mission "Field"
Genesis 13
The other day I went to a baseball game, and upon arriving at the field, I immediately looked to the outfield fence to see how big/short the field is. Later in the game, I noticed that one of the players seemed to be swinging for the fence instead of trying to move the runner over. I thought in my mind, "Quit trying to hit the ball out. The game is played on the field." Suddenly, I was convicted in my heart of the times I try to bypass living for God in order to gain temporary pleasures. Games are won and lost on the field. How many losses am I racking up by not focusing on the mission field God has created for me?
The only positive game-time situation that doesn't happen on the field is the aforementioned home run. This does not, however, weaken the analogy. In fact, it may bring into light an interesting point. In baseball, players don't attempt to beat the player opposite them; they beat the ball. In our Christian life, we are constantly waging war against the wiles of the devil. In following the metaphor, the ball would be related to evil devices of Satan which belong over the fence.
Now there are some good things that are done off the field to prepare the athlete for battle on the field such as batting practice, strength/conditioning training, etc. These could refer to trials and situations we face before we give our lives to Christ that help us be a better Christian and give us our particular position of ministry on this "mission field."
The other day I went to a baseball game, and upon arriving at the field, I immediately looked to the outfield fence to see how big/short the field is. Later in the game, I noticed that one of the players seemed to be swinging for the fence instead of trying to move the runner over. I thought in my mind, "Quit trying to hit the ball out. The game is played on the field." Suddenly, I was convicted in my heart of the times I try to bypass living for God in order to gain temporary pleasures. Games are won and lost on the field. How many losses am I racking up by not focusing on the mission field God has created for me?
The only positive game-time situation that doesn't happen on the field is the aforementioned home run. This does not, however, weaken the analogy. In fact, it may bring into light an interesting point. In baseball, players don't attempt to beat the player opposite them; they beat the ball. In our Christian life, we are constantly waging war against the wiles of the devil. In following the metaphor, the ball would be related to evil devices of Satan which belong over the fence.
Now there are some good things that are done off the field to prepare the athlete for battle on the field such as batting practice, strength/conditioning training, etc. These could refer to trials and situations we face before we give our lives to Christ that help us be a better Christian and give us our particular position of ministry on this "mission field."
Team and Individual Sports
Why do we even have team sports? Whose idea was it? Was it just a ploy to get more people to participate? Was someone tired of coming in second and so decided to partner
up?! I'm not sure if anyone will ever truly know why, but it brings to light a good point.
There are some things we just cannot do by ourselves!
Yes, teamwork depends on the work of each individual player and some teams have
superstar players, but there is no way a one-person football team will accomplish
anything other than suicide. Can you imagine only one person playing against an entire baseball, softball, basketball, or soccer team? A one person cheerleading squad is just
sad!
Even individual sports do not consist of one person. That person has a coach, trainer,
instructor, or someone to hold them accountable, to teach them, and to give them advice.
And of course, where would any athlete be without an athletic trainer? (Sorry, couldn't
resist!)
This is yet one more piece of evidence for the existence of God. There are some things
we just cannot do, and we must rely on God to provide them. Existence = Genesis 1:1.
Life = Genesis 2:7. Truth = John 14:6. Love = 1 John 4:8. Anything = Matthew 19:26.
Everything = Philippians 4:13.
up?! I'm not sure if anyone will ever truly know why, but it brings to light a good point.
There are some things we just cannot do by ourselves!
Yes, teamwork depends on the work of each individual player and some teams have
superstar players, but there is no way a one-person football team will accomplish
anything other than suicide. Can you imagine only one person playing against an entire baseball, softball, basketball, or soccer team? A one person cheerleading squad is just
sad!
Even individual sports do not consist of one person. That person has a coach, trainer,
instructor, or someone to hold them accountable, to teach them, and to give them advice.
And of course, where would any athlete be without an athletic trainer? (Sorry, couldn't
resist!)
This is yet one more piece of evidence for the existence of God. There are some things
we just cannot do, and we must rely on God to provide them. Existence = Genesis 1:1.
Life = Genesis 2:7. Truth = John 14:6. Love = 1 John 4:8. Anything = Matthew 19:26.
Everything = Philippians 4:13.
Take My Life
Matthew 10:39
Romans 5:8
Romans 12:1-2
God never has and never will ask us to do something He wouldn't. Through Jesus Christ, He gave His life for us, but not just His physical life. People always thought Jesus would be an earthly king who would restore Israel as a world power. If anyone could have, it definitely would have been Him. However, He died to that identity. He gladly laid it down in order to eternally save the world instead of temporarily saving a nation. He denied all the pseudo prestige and power in order to receive "a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Although I was unable to find a reference where God actually asks for us to lay down our lives, it is a common teaching that we should die for our faith. Of course, in all things we should strive to be like Christ. Many people have, in fact, given their physical lives for the spread of the gospel (more in the last one hundred years than all of history combined). Most of the time, however, God does not need us to give up our physical lives but rather our self-proclaimed identities. These identities are often referred to as our "lives." For instance, we may say, "Baseball is my life." Or, "My girlfriend is my life." Or, "The cohort is my life." God wants us to understand that He is the giver of life, both existence and true life. (Gen. 2:7, John 6:51, John 10:10, Rom. 8:11) Let us transform our identities into "God is life. Everything else is baseball, (or my girlfriend, cohort, etc.)"
"I told God I didn't want a game to be the most important thing in my life. I wanted what He offered. I asked Him to make Himself real to me and to help me put baseball where it should be - a vocation, not a life." -Andy Van Slyke (former Pittsburg Pirates outfielder)
Romans 5:8
Romans 12:1-2
God never has and never will ask us to do something He wouldn't. Through Jesus Christ, He gave His life for us, but not just His physical life. People always thought Jesus would be an earthly king who would restore Israel as a world power. If anyone could have, it definitely would have been Him. However, He died to that identity. He gladly laid it down in order to eternally save the world instead of temporarily saving a nation. He denied all the pseudo prestige and power in order to receive "a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Although I was unable to find a reference where God actually asks for us to lay down our lives, it is a common teaching that we should die for our faith. Of course, in all things we should strive to be like Christ. Many people have, in fact, given their physical lives for the spread of the gospel (more in the last one hundred years than all of history combined). Most of the time, however, God does not need us to give up our physical lives but rather our self-proclaimed identities. These identities are often referred to as our "lives." For instance, we may say, "Baseball is my life." Or, "My girlfriend is my life." Or, "The cohort is my life." God wants us to understand that He is the giver of life, both existence and true life. (Gen. 2:7, John 6:51, John 10:10, Rom. 8:11) Let us transform our identities into "God is life. Everything else is baseball, (or my girlfriend, cohort, etc.)"
"I told God I didn't want a game to be the most important thing in my life. I wanted what He offered. I asked Him to make Himself real to me and to help me put baseball where it should be - a vocation, not a life." -Andy Van Slyke (former Pittsburg Pirates outfielder)
Your Subscription Status
Many of us own a subscription of some sort, usually to a magazine of our peculiar interest. Recently, I have subscribed to the national FCA publication "Sharing the Victory." Other subscriptions I would love to have are Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine, Baseball Weekly, and Underwater Basket Weaving Digest (OK, maybe not that last one). All these publications represent areas of interest in my life. Areas which I will devote time and money.
Magazines, newspapers, etc. are read by thousands of people everyday. However, there are different "kinds" of readers. Some have a yearly subscription. These people are die hard about their magazine. They love it and read from cover to cover when it comes in the mail. Others enjoy the magazine and read most of it, off and on, from time to time. They usually buy the magazine off the shelf or borrow it from a friend. They don't devote as much time or money.
As self-proclaimed Christians, we have "subscribed" to service of Jesus Christ. In fact, the word "Christian" means "Christ-like." 1 Corinthians 10:31 says "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." God wants us to love Him so much (Deuteronomy 6:5) that people who see us eat as compelled to praise Him!! Now that is one serious subscriber!
So what is your subscription status? Are you a die-hard 24-7-365.25 subscriber? Or, are you just another wannabe?
Magazines, newspapers, etc. are read by thousands of people everyday. However, there are different "kinds" of readers. Some have a yearly subscription. These people are die hard about their magazine. They love it and read from cover to cover when it comes in the mail. Others enjoy the magazine and read most of it, off and on, from time to time. They usually buy the magazine off the shelf or borrow it from a friend. They don't devote as much time or money.
As self-proclaimed Christians, we have "subscribed" to service of Jesus Christ. In fact, the word "Christian" means "Christ-like." 1 Corinthians 10:31 says "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." God wants us to love Him so much (Deuteronomy 6:5) that people who see us eat as compelled to praise Him!! Now that is one serious subscriber!
So what is your subscription status? Are you a die-hard 24-7-365.25 subscriber? Or, are you just another wannabe?
Pearl of Great Price
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking [fine] pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46
What is your pearl of great price? A new car, a championship, improvement, relationships? Make sure your investment is one that will not depreciate but will rather increase in value over time. Perhaps many times we have played for good teams and had good or memorable seasons. But, let's say, one season we all came together and achieve more than an average season. We pay the great price by sacrificing everyday on the practice field, giving our absolute best, putting in the extra hours, etc. Because of the price we paid, we have the greatest year of our lives. Records, championships, trophies, and rings are all ours. We are on top of the world! The moment we paid such a high price for is now itself priceless. Not a bad return on our investment!
But soon, the championships are won by others. Your records are broken. Your trophies and rings rust and rarely receive the attention you once lavished on them. Only your memories remain as fresh as ever. "Good enough," you say. But then you are stricken with Alzheimer's and/or die. What then? It's all gone! Sure, your name may be written in some book somewhere, but what does it matter to you? What good is it doing you?! A scientific law says all things work toward disorder. There is one pearl of great price, however, that gets sweeter every day. It transcends scientific law and is still just beginning at physical death. It is salvation. It becomes so sweet that the cost hardly seems a cost at all. And it is not just priceless, it is everything!
What is your pearl of great price? A new car, a championship, improvement, relationships? Make sure your investment is one that will not depreciate but will rather increase in value over time. Perhaps many times we have played for good teams and had good or memorable seasons. But, let's say, one season we all came together and achieve more than an average season. We pay the great price by sacrificing everyday on the practice field, giving our absolute best, putting in the extra hours, etc. Because of the price we paid, we have the greatest year of our lives. Records, championships, trophies, and rings are all ours. We are on top of the world! The moment we paid such a high price for is now itself priceless. Not a bad return on our investment!
But soon, the championships are won by others. Your records are broken. Your trophies and rings rust and rarely receive the attention you once lavished on them. Only your memories remain as fresh as ever. "Good enough," you say. But then you are stricken with Alzheimer's and/or die. What then? It's all gone! Sure, your name may be written in some book somewhere, but what does it matter to you? What good is it doing you?! A scientific law says all things work toward disorder. There is one pearl of great price, however, that gets sweeter every day. It transcends scientific law and is still just beginning at physical death. It is salvation. It becomes so sweet that the cost hardly seems a cost at all. And it is not just priceless, it is everything!
Only One Way
John 14:6
There are many stances in baseball, but the batter must still put the bat on the ball. There many different shots in basketball, but the ball must go in the basket. With all the shots in tennis, the ball must land within the lines. A soccer ball can be kicked in a number of fashions or headed, but it must be put in the net. A golf ball must go in the cup despite of many different approaches. As we've seen in the past week, a football play can be drawn up in many creative ways as long as the ball crosses the goal line.
Is it really so hard to believe there is only one way acceptable unto God?! Grant it there are many various approaches. But these approaches are not religions. We cannot drop the basketball goal to eight feet (although that would be much easier) and expect our shot to count. We cannot lower the tennis net or bring the golf hole closer. The reason there are different moves/plays in sports is because we face different situations throughout the game. In our spiritual life, we have different approaches because we all come from different situations. No two lives are the same. Some people may have been backed into a corner in life and had to dribble their way out of it, while some of us have had break-away opportunities and easy lay-ups. However, when it's all said and done, every one of us have to put the ball in the basket, cross the goal line, touch home plate, accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
There are many stances in baseball, but the batter must still put the bat on the ball. There many different shots in basketball, but the ball must go in the basket. With all the shots in tennis, the ball must land within the lines. A soccer ball can be kicked in a number of fashions or headed, but it must be put in the net. A golf ball must go in the cup despite of many different approaches. As we've seen in the past week, a football play can be drawn up in many creative ways as long as the ball crosses the goal line.
Is it really so hard to believe there is only one way acceptable unto God?! Grant it there are many various approaches. But these approaches are not religions. We cannot drop the basketball goal to eight feet (although that would be much easier) and expect our shot to count. We cannot lower the tennis net or bring the golf hole closer. The reason there are different moves/plays in sports is because we face different situations throughout the game. In our spiritual life, we have different approaches because we all come from different situations. No two lives are the same. Some people may have been backed into a corner in life and had to dribble their way out of it, while some of us have had break-away opportunities and easy lay-ups. However, when it's all said and done, every one of us have to put the ball in the basket, cross the goal line, touch home plate, accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
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