Press Toward The Goal

NBC has been running a segment called, “The Olympic Zone.” This segment has covered many athletes personal stories and their families sacrifices to develop an Olympic Athlete. Some families have even moved or split up, in order to comply with the idea of training in some, “special facility.” Uprooting a family, paying for professional coaches, trainers, housing, tutors and who knows what other expenses, is an enormous amount of time, energy and resources “pressing toward the goal” of an Olympic Medal. This could be one explanation why some parents can’t watch their son/daughters perform.

Just think how close we could be to our Lord if we invested just a fraction of that amount of time, energy and resources in perfecting our walk with Jesus. In Philippians 3:12-16, Paul reminds the Christians at Philippi that even he must continue to, “strive toward the mark of perfection in his walk with Jesus. Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” (Phil. 3:13)

If the apostle Paul feels he must continue to strive toward the mark of perfection, how much more should we? What sacrifices can you make to get closer to Jesus?

The Truth
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14)

Encouragement of a Friend

I have really enjoyed watching the Olympic Games. Seeing the skill level these athletes have attained through hard work, discipline and sacrifice is remarkable. Furthermore, to see the execution of their craft under such tremendous pressure and expectations is inspiring.

The true struggle for the Olympic Athlete is, perfection. Though true perfection is unattainable, they still press toward the mark to receive their prize. But what happens when they fall short or heaven forbid, make a mistake? As we have seen all to often, the media is there to magnify the mistakes - while understanding teammates have been there to, “Encourage a Friend.”

Nothing soothes the soul like the encouragement of “understanding” friends. When we are experiencing pain or disappointment, friends know how to tell us that they understand and care. As Christians, we need to be givers of encouragement: not just on the playing field but, in our home, at work, to our friends and to people we encounter in life.

Is there someone you know who needs encouragement? Give them a call.

The Truth
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet one another, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." (Hebrews 10: 24-25)

Sacrificial Love

All parents understand the concept of “sacrificial love,“ giving to others before yourself. Little things like, first sip of a cold drink, the better seat at the ballgame, the first choice of meat at the dinner table or the late night comfort needed to fall asleep. These sacrifices, though relatively simple to give up, show the natural love of a parent.

However, “sacrificial love” is not always that simple. Try allowing a son/daughter to go through something painful, for a greater good, without rescuing them. To watch them struggle, falter or experience pain, goes against every fiber of our being as parents.

Can you imagine what pain God the Father was experiencing seeing His Son go through the agonizing death of the cross? Then, having to turn His back on Him because He could have no fellowship with sin. God’s “sacrificial love” for us goes far beyond our limits of understanding. (Psalm 40:28)

If you offered such a gift for man and he did not accept it, how would you feel? What might be your reaction?

The Truth
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)