http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2:24&version=NASB
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206:26&version=NASB
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206:66&version=NASB
I am competitive. Very competitive. I like to win. In fact, one of my sayings is that “I like to beat anyone, at anything, anytime, anywhere.” Yep, that about sums it up! There is nothing like the feel you get when you win. But, as a Christian, I also understand that winning isn’t everything. It is about how you play the game. And loving the game. And realizing that your success, or lack of it, doesn’t define who you are. Unfortunately this opinion is not shared by many people involved in professional sports. Including the fans. No matter how many games you’ve won or how good you are, lose too much and you’ll get thrown under the bus. I was reminded of this again yesterday.
As October 27th, 2011 dawned, the Washington Capitals were in 1st place in the entire NHL with a 7-0 record. It was the best start they’d ever had in franchise history. In the past few years their coach, Bruce Boudreau, had completely turned around a perennial loser. He also won 200 games faster than any other coach in NHL history. Certainly Boudreau’s job was safe for the foreseeable future, right? Wrong! As November 28th dawned, the Capitals had slipped to 17th place in the NHL with a 12-9-1 record. Not a great record but certainly not terrible. Unfortunately the Capitals last game was an embarrassing 5-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres (My team!). Who were missing 9 of their regular players! (There’s only 22 players on the entire team.) So Boudreau was fired. The end result is that in just a month’s time Boudreau went from great job security to being fired. It’s the same old question, “What have you done for me lately?”
As October 27th, 2011 dawned, the Washington Capitals were in 1st place in the entire NHL with a 7-0 record. It was the best start they’d ever had in franchise history. In the past few years their coach, Bruce Boudreau, had completely turned around a perennial loser. He also won 200 games faster than any other coach in NHL history. Certainly Boudreau’s job was safe for the foreseeable future, right? Wrong! As November 28th dawned, the Capitals had slipped to 17th place in the NHL with a 12-9-1 record. Not a great record but certainly not terrible. Unfortunately the Capitals last game was an embarrassing 5-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres (My team!). Who were missing 9 of their regular players! (There’s only 22 players on the entire team.) So Boudreau was fired. The end result is that in just a month’s time Boudreau went from great job security to being fired. It’s the same old question, “What have you done for me lately?”This question is the scourge of our time. “What have you done for me lately?” It would be bad enough if this question were asked only in the realm of sports. But it has permeated all of society. Bosses ask this of their employees. Employees ask this of their boss. Citizens ask this of their government. Spouses ask this of each other. Children ask this of their parents. Millions of people ask this of God. The problem with this question is seen in its last 2 words. Lately. By using this word this question refuses to remember the past. The result is that 10, 20, 50 years of faithfulness and service are forgotten in the context of today. As such, this question is total devoid of any kind of loyalty. Me. In essence, the question is entirely selfish in nature. It is not concerned about what is done for others. It is only concerned about what is done for me. That’s pure selfishness alright. No wonder our society is in the shape it is in. No wonder why so many people feel unappreciated. One day you’re on top of the world. The next day you are under it. The fall from grace can be sudden. And devastating.
Fortunately, God never deals with us in this manner! For one thing He is patient. He knows that there is a learning curve to the Christ-life. It is not all victories. There are defeats along the way. In fact, at some points in our relationship with Him, there may be more defeats than victories. That’s OK because God is also forgiving. When we repent and ask for forgiveness our past failures are erased. Gone. Forgotten. Of course, God is also loving. He loves us for who we are. Not for what we do for others. Or even for Him.
What a relief this is! In a world that is so demanding and performance-oriented, we have Someone who accepts us. For who we are. He appreciates the things we do for Him. All of them. Nothing, no matter how small or insignificant, is forgotten. Or goes unappreciated. Nor will it go unrewarded. In Mark 9:41 Jesus said “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in My name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose their reward.”
So, relax. Don’t worry about the incessant demands of others. How short you may see to come up in their eyes. Delight yourself in the Lord instead. Because ultimately He is the only One who’s opinion really matters anyway.
Lord, I thank you that when I fail to measure up to the expectations of others I can always rely upon You. You know my heart. You accept me for who I am. You know that while I might fail at times it doesn’t mean that I am a failure. You love me. Unconditionally. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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