Character Sill Counts

Guest Post: This is a reminder from my good friend and Pastor of Sports Ministry at the Chapel. I appreciate Dale Saylor's heart and passion to honor our Savior through sport. Dale spent a number of years serving with FCA prior to joining the Chapel staff. As you read it over, I hope this encourages you today.

Dale Saylor writes...

Have you taken notice to the fact that coaches and organizations are de-emphasizing ‘home-grown’ talent in lieu of grabbing hotshots from other teams? Many major league camps [and major colleges] use sophisticated techniques in examining player performance – always searching for computer-verifiable perfection. On the other end of the spectrum are those coaches and managers that evaluate players - to large extent - based upon their physical appearance.

Appearances can be deceiving and stats may be of some help, but they need to be augmented by a searching analysis of one’s character. John Smoltz [Atlanta Braves pitcher] mentions that, “Some managers see a player with all the tools and go wild, but the tools will be misused if the character isn’t there . . . instead of doing research at ground level to find out what’s in the hearts of players – they hand out huge multi-year contracts without knowing enough about the players and the families to determine whether a player given all that money and security is going to get lazy.”

It is important check the heart – to see whether a player loves what they are doing enough to put in all the required hard work. Perhaps, the most useful stats are those that show how a player performs in clutch situations. Don’t you want a ‘gamer’ -someone that is willing to lay it all on the line in pressure situations? Many individuals may perform well in relaxed situations - - and choke when you really need them. Consistency and patience are necessary in contributing to ultimate victory.

The Apostle Paul certainly understood what it meant to have a ‘gamer’s heart’. To excel we must display self-control. We cannot be aimless in our focus. Instead we must direct our total effort on becoming more Christ-like. Our relationship with Him produces a renewing of our character as God develops in us the qualities essential for true success. The wisdom we gain from His ‘Game Plan’ [The Bible], along with the guidance of others, helps us grow in commitment, competence, and character. This is how we can have a ‘gamer’s heart’.

“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win! All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that is gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else about it and then missing out myself.”
1st Corinthians 9:24-27 [The Message]

Dear Lord, Just as the athlete must successfully work through trials and tribulations - - help us see that it is through the tough times that we improve. May we develop our character and use it for Your glory. Amen.

Wallpaper and Jesus

I apologize for the week delay in getting out a new post. Thanks to those of you who are reading this, I hope it proves helpful. Many of you may know that Meg and I are expecting our third child in June. As we are preparing for her arrival, there are a variety of things to get done now. For example, we need to get the room ready, crib set up, etc. Well, we have had some friends and family come share in the fun of removing the wallpaper in our spare room as part of the prepping process. A special thanks to all of them!

On Saturday, I was given the task (I mean privilege) to finish the work of wallpaper removal. Personally, I need to have the proper mind set to begin such a challenge. If you have ever removed wallpaper before you know the drill:

A. Spray the wall with some type of liquid to begin the removal process.
B. Wait.
C. Scrape or begin the removal process… spray again
D. Start all over again…

Problem: I did not have the patience to complete letter B. I would wait a few minutes, but then usually began the nitpick process of pulling off small strips little by little. As I moved across the 2-3 foot section, I would come towards the end and then I would get a large section to come off fairly easily. It took me a minute, but I realized that If I waited for a longer period of time, that it might come off easier. I wonder if that is how God sees us… we want to rush, move, respond, react, and fill our minds with busyness. However, at times God requires us to be patient. He sees what we cannot. If I could have seen the results of waiting and being patient, I might have picked up on it sooner. But in the end I realized my patience and trust in the liquid product would takes its toll on the wallpaper and loosen it up for me.

The Apostle Paul wrote this to his letter to the Philippians, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Did you hear that? The truth that God will finish the work in each of us that He began… Two questions come to mind. First, have you opened your heart to Jesus and allowed His Spirit to begin working? Second, are you being patient on the Lord to continue the work He started? To allow the truth of His word to saturate your heart and begin to remove the “wallpaper” of our sinful nature in order to be filled in Him.

Patient people are always an encouragement to me. In order to succeed at most things you must be patient. I have found this to be true in sports, music, and even removing old wallpaper. I am going to work to be more patient. I want to allow God to continue the work He started in me. I hope to do my best not to rush the process. I hope you know him today!