Godly Flexibility

We need to be very flexible.  I am talking about the ability to adapt to changing circumstances without missing a beat.  God has called us to adapt to the circumstances He brings our way with grace, knowing that He brought them and is in complete control over them.  He expects our reaction to glorify Him.

Romans 14:5-6 - One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God

This verse teaches us to be flexible in regards to the needs of others, putting the conscience of others before our own preferences.  That is precisely what we do when we are unselfish and flexible, willing to be used in the way God wants us to be.  This sometimes shows itself in the way coaches use players...maybe not what the player (or parent) wants, but a flexible, adaptable player does what is asked of him for the benefit of others!

Homosexual Athletes and Sinful Behaviors

With all the fuss over "gay" athletes announcing their sexual orientation, there has been quite a stir in the media.  When churches, pastors and Christians stand up in protest a myriad of responses come flying.

Usually statements like, "Only God can judge" or "It isn't a choice, it's who they are" make their way front and center.

The problem with those statements is that God already did judge, calling it an abominable choice and condemned it, giving us the right and responsibility to declare sin for what it is: an offense before a Holy God!  Hear me out.  I am not saying that homosexuals are alone in their wickedness; sex outside of marriage, lying, cheating, stealing, murder, pride, pornography and behaviors like these are all sin as well and God tells us to avoid such practices and further to repent if we commit such deeds.

As Christians (true believers in Jesus Christ), we do in fact sin and fail to bring God praise and glory with every facet of our life.  But true Christians recognize this and repent of their sin, not excuse or ignore it as though God isn't offended by it.  The other issue at hand is whether a person can truly be a Christian if they live a lifestyle with sinful behaviors and consistently ignore the warning of Scripture to repent as if nothing is wrong.  

Something is wrong!  So many "Christian" Leaders call for tolerance of sinful lifestyles, but Jesus told us that we will know those who are His by their fruit.....that means we are to evaluate the behaviors of others and in humility, attempt to help hold them accountable by sharing your observations of their life with them.  (We must also be willing to accept the same feedback from others about our life)

Jesus said that the proof of loving and following Him was obedience and when disobedience occurs, repentance over the sin.  Paul reiterated this in Romans and several other epistles.  John said in his letters that Christians are known by their actions and darkness does not exist consistently in the life of a believer.

We really need to stop feeling sorry for people whose lifestyle puts them at odds with God and start feeling compassion for their souls!  Sharing the truth of what God said with them is far more "loving" then tolerating their sinful behaviors because it endeavors to make them right before their Creator and redeem them from an eternal Hell.

Spiritual Mental Toughness!!

What often separates champions from the rest of the group is Poise.  In watching many big playoff games, it was clear that the mental toughness it takes to be poised is what allows Champions to win.  They simply have more poise in the crucial moments of the game.  Life requires mental toughness and poise when tough times hit.

Many of us adults have had "terrible times" blow thru our lives; times when we have lost a job, a loved one, struggles with an illness or some other difficulty.  At those moments, our maturity, poise and mental toughness is revealed.  Do we trust in God as sovereign over our circumstances or do we breakdown our faith and worry or do what we should not do and opposite of what we have practiced or prepared to do....or maybe that is our problem.  Maybe we haven't spent enough time cultivating poise (ie. faith in the God who could create the world in 6 days) so when the struggles of life hit us, we break down and stop fulfilling what God has called us to be.  Sports often reveals our poise and points out where in our character we have fallen short.  When circumstances reveal our weaknesses, we should immediately seek the Scriptures to find our source of strength and grow into the mature believers God has chosen us to be!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - ¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete [MATURE], equipped for every good work.

This verse teaches us that the Bible is where we find the materials necessary to know God and His expectations for our life to be mature and poised as we move thru the process of life.

Christian Responsibilities!!

We have a very independent and individualistic culture in America.  Much of it stems from the "American Spirit" which tells us that we don't need help, we simply need an opportunity and the will to succeed.  But that is not Biblical, nor is it true (or even practical for that matter).  Name one thing that is a great accomplishment that was done by ONE person!

Sure we can all think of the name of the person who received the credit, but that person got to where they are with the help of ......teachers, parents, friends, etc....

The Bible expresses the need for accountability all throughout its instructions.  That is why God created families and the instituted the church.  This is why fellowshipping with other like-minded people is SO important.  God knows that when we are by ourselves our hearts which are deceitful and wicked will trick us into doing things that are disobedient to Christ.  But together, we can watch out for one another and hold each other accountable, sharpening us into the tools for God's use.

We need responsible men.  People who are reliable, who lead with trust at the center of their character.  Men who lead their families in the priorities of the Bible.  Men who understand the importance of the local church and Christian fellowship.

Hebrews 10: - ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; ²⁴ and let us consider how tostimulate one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵ not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

This verse teaches us that Our job as Christians is to confess the truth of God to others and to help those we know do the same by regularly and faithfully being together with them, the church!.

Give Thanks!!

We live in a very selfish society.  Many people believe they deserve credit for everything because of who they are or what they have accomplished.  God tells us however, that He gives to all graciously as He sees fit.  He gives rain to the just and the unjust.  Our job is to be thankful for all that He gives and does for us.

We certainly have much to thank God for.  America has been blessed by God.  There are always things we would like to see get better, but on the whole, we are a blessed nation.  We still have freedom to worship and speak and live out the pursuit of happiness.  Have you fallen into an ungrateful attitude because of bitterness or regret?  Remember the words of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This verse teaches us that there is nothing for which we cannot thank God! Even the difficulties of life can be used by Him to shape our character....which is worth much gratitude!

Efficiency in Christian Living

Efficiency is making the most of the time and resources afforded to you!

There is much laziness and entitlement in our culture.  Many people believe that they "deserve" something, or more than what they have.  We are sent messages all the time that tell us in advertising that we should have things our way or that we have rights.  It is true, that man has innate rights given to him by God the creator because we are made in God's image, but God spelled out more about responsibilities in Scripture than He did about rights.  We have a responsibility to tells others about Him, to use our gifts for His glory and to be good stewards or caretakers of what He has given to us.

Jesus tells us a story of 3 servants who were entrusted to care for some possessions of the master while he was away.  One was given 10 talents (or sums of money), one was given 3 and the last one was given 1.  We know the story.  The first 2 invested what the master gave them, making efficient use of time, energy and resources while the last one put what he was given into a hole and hid it.  When the master returned, he wanted an account of the possessions he gave out.  The first 2 servants had a 100% return on the investments and were praised while the lazy servant simply returned what he was entrusted back to the master unused.  He also seems to mis-characterize the master in his description of why he did nothing with what he was given (The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28))

.Here is the modern day application: God has entrusted certain gifts, abilities and "things" into our care.  They are not ours to do with what we want, but His that we are supposed to invest for the advancement of His kingdom and the glory of His name.  Are we being efficient in investing what He has given us for that purpose?  

Luke 16:10 - He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

This verse teaches us that a man's character is defined by faithfulness in the details of life, recognizing that we work for God in all that we do!  If we are responsible and efficient with what He gives us, He will give us more responsibility.  Be efficient in our use of resources and time!!

Long Time No See

I've been away for quite awhile.  I have decided to contribute more on a regular basis in an attempt to improve my communication to the world.
Currently, my baseball team (Foundation Academy - Winter Garden, FL) is competing in the FHSAA Class 2A Regional Quarterfinals against either Merritt Island Christian or Covenant Christian.