How Badly Do You Want To Win?"Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" John 18:11 ESV Whether a fan of the Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks or your school's sports teams, winning sure makes a season go better. Banners hang in gyms with their victorious exploits for all to see. Isn't it interesting what some will do to win? Whether it is professionals taking PEDs or coaches who yell or demean their players to get the best out of them, sometimes winning becomes more important than doing the right thing. As Christ was challenged in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of a soldier. In the threat of losing, Peter chose fight, not flight. Christ responds by telling Peter to put it away and trust God. Christ knew that the events ahead were part of God's plan. How are you at trusting God's plan when fear and danger lurk? While we daily say the Lord's Prayer, do we really want God's will to be done over ours? Even when that board member who rarely comes to church wants to change the attendance policy? Or when the teacher who never shows up for devotions and challenges you in faculty meetings asks you for a favor? Or when that parent who is never happy calls for the third time this week? Christ's example is one we can never completely live up to. That's why He had to come to die for our selfish, sinful attitudes. Our sins of putting our desires over God's put Christ on that Cross. But the real victory was the one that brought us eternal peace and TRUE victory. Let's hang that banner of Christ Victorious and pray for the Spirit to live in hope and trust that God's kingdom come. God's peace, Mike Zimmer, Mission Facilitator for Schools Discussion Questions- Why are competitive juices part of the human condition even beyond sports?
- How might the non-Christian view our sometimes sinful competitive behaviors that play out in the church?
- How can you fly the banner of Christ victorious the next time you are challenged?
For use in staff meetings, print devotion and discussion questions. |