Small Victories and Defeats
Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NET
Brad Lidge, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow gave credit to God-specifically Jesus Christ-when the microphone was thrust into their face. All three were victorious in their respective sports and gave credit to 'their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'.
Brad Lidge had just completed pitching in a World Series Victory. Both Tebow and McCoy had just brought their teams from behind to win their respective Bowl games. Tebow's win insured a National Championship. All three credited Jesus for their success.
On hearing this...I was proud that someone had given credit to God...but specifically claimed Jesus' name in the National Spotlight as the reason for their accomplishment. Nothing wishy-washy about that...no anonymous congratulatory god credit...no two-fingered jab at the sky…but a full blown thank you to Jesus Christ.
Friends and family were IM'ing me with joy. One wrote..."God honors his people.'
Now...wait a minute, I thought. I'm sure there were Christians on the losing teams as well. Didn't the Lord Jesus Christ get them to that stage as well?
I will never throw a touchdown in a National Title Game. I will never throw a wicked slider in the World Series. I will, however, face victories and defeats on a daily basis. Publicly and privately, I am obligated because of His kindness to thank Jesus Christ when those times arrive.
I must be genuine. I'm not questioning these amazing athlete's' authenticity or disparaging their achievements. I'm elated for them. Our character is tested far from the microphones...away from the cameras. Our character is proven when no one is looking.
Then the Crown will be awarded to those genuine. And that is worth more than any World Series Ring or National Title accolade. Tebow, McCoy, and Lidge know this and that is why they thanked their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Brad Lidge, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow gave credit to God-specifically Jesus Christ-when the microphone was thrust into their face. All three were victorious in their respective sports and gave credit to 'their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'.
Brad Lidge had just completed pitching in a World Series Victory. Both Tebow and McCoy had just brought their teams from behind to win their respective Bowl games. Tebow's win insured a National Championship. All three credited Jesus for their success.
On hearing this...I was proud that someone had given credit to God...but specifically claimed Jesus' name in the National Spotlight as the reason for their accomplishment. Nothing wishy-washy about that...no anonymous congratulatory god credit...no two-fingered jab at the sky…but a full blown thank you to Jesus Christ.
Friends and family were IM'ing me with joy. One wrote..."God honors his people.'
Now...wait a minute, I thought. I'm sure there were Christians on the losing teams as well. Didn't the Lord Jesus Christ get them to that stage as well?
I will never throw a touchdown in a National Title Game. I will never throw a wicked slider in the World Series. I will, however, face victories and defeats on a daily basis. Publicly and privately, I am obligated because of His kindness to thank Jesus Christ when those times arrive.
I must be genuine. I'm not questioning these amazing athlete's' authenticity or disparaging their achievements. I'm elated for them. Our character is tested far from the microphones...away from the cameras. Our character is proven when no one is looking.
Then the Crown will be awarded to those genuine. And that is worth more than any World Series Ring or National Title accolade. Tebow, McCoy, and Lidge know this and that is why they thanked their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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