"THE BEST OF THE BEST..."
Are you watching the Olympics? I am. It is during this time, every four years, that I get really excited about a heated badminton or a fierce game of ping pong. And of course I get caught up in gymnastics. Totally amazed at what these amazing athletes can do with their bodies. Their strength, agility, discipline, and skills are so impressive - and sometimes mind blowing. How can a 4'8" lady jump over 12' in the air! Yet that is exactly what Simone Biles did on her floor routine. (She is the gymnastics GOAT!) I also enjoy seeing the team spirit, the camaraderie, the encouragement, that these athletes give one another. But probably the thing that impresses me the most is the respect and kindness that the athletes show one another. During the competition they go hard, but when its over, there are hugs, high fives, and kind words. WOW! What an example for us all to follow. Prepare, train, do our best, go strong, and celebrate the success of one another. Actually, this is a good formula for us to follow in our faith and in our lives. Paul shares this concept throughout his letters.
To Timothy in 2 Timothy:
2:15 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
4:6 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
1:7 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
In in his letter to the believers he speaks of his own journey in athletic terms in his letter to his beloved friends and Christ-followers in Philippi:
Philippians 3:12-14 "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
And to the believers in Thessalonica:
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing"
And the writer of Hebrews reminds us all...
Hebrews 10:23-25 "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near"
So let us continue to do our best, whatever it may be, ping pong or the 100 Fly. And let us press on toward the ultimate prize of being Christlike. May we do our best, encourage others along the way, and celebrate the victories - ours and others. And ultimately let us love one another so strongly, that this is our reputation. For this is the most perfect way. Let us be "the best of the best!" Now, go for it! Soar high!
This Saturday Patti and I are hosting a wet and wild party for our FCC young people. Come join us - but be prepared to get wet. And on Sunday we will continue our look at the life of Joseph - Dysfunction to Destiny. I hope to see you soon...And Always Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)