Boldly Speak Up!

About five months ago at the gym, I overheard a member (Jim) expressing to his workout buddy his wife’s (Sue) challenge of holding a friend accountable. Sue’s challenge and concern was directed towards Jim’s friend having an affair. Jim’s friend’s wife was unaware of the situation; however, her husband was indirectly bragging about his conquest to Jim and others. Unfortunately, Jim’s relationship to the adulterer was connected to convenience of some sort (I’m not sure what), so it made confrontation undesirable. From what I gathered, while being noisy, Jim decided that he was going to accept Sue’s challenge by expressing to his friend that his behavior was ungodly, unacceptable, and damaging all his current relationships. During Jim’s conversation at the gym, he made it a point to announce his Christian faith. He believed that adultery was a sin and was aware of his error for being accepting of this behavior. Needless to say, I was impressed from what I overheard. So impressed, that I pulled Jim aside, before he left the gym, acknowledged my appreciation and admiration for his courage and commitment to our shared faith.

About three months ago, I started instructing fitness boot camp classes in the early mornings at the gym. Upon arriving to the group fitness room, Jim and some of his workout buddies were in the room performing an unscheduled, non-group fitness approved workout called ‘P90X’. They had moved in a flat screen television and DVD player. I thought it somewhat strange that they were at a health club performing a workout program designed for home; however, I did not own the gym, so I had no real authority to express my opinion. I had a class starting in 10 minutes. According to their video, they had 18 minutes remaining. I had a dilemma that I was totally unprepared. I asked Jim and his friends, when they would be complete. I was immediately met with an explanation from Jim of how long they knew (in a relationship with) the owner of the gym. After hearing the life relationship to the gym owner, I was aware that I had a bigger problem than eight minutes. I was really surprised by Jim’s reaction. All I could remember was our last conversation. How he had announced to be an accountability partner to his friend. His reaction to my question disturbed and angered me. I simply had to calm myself. Long story short: I waited until they were complete, before I started my class. This became a pattern. I showed up to prepare for class; there was Jim and friends. I would inform them of the class times and days; they would be annoyed and overstay into the start time of my scheduled group fitness class. Eventually, I thought they would be respectful and honor our class and its participants; however, this did not happen. The gym owner and managers were made aware, but no success in keeping Jim and friends out of the room.

About two months ago, I had reached my tolerance level of Jim and his friends. I perceived from their actions that they had no respect for me or the group fitness participants. It was time to handle this situation. One morning, while driving to the gym, I prayed asking the Lord to help me be kind, respectful, and not contrary to my Faith in my actions. I believed what I prayed would come to pass. Entering the gym, the front desk receptionists smiled as she always does, when Jim and his friends are in the group fitness room. My heart began pumping through my chest, literally. I entered the room. Immediately, eyes began rolling and sighs were heard. Without any hesitation, I announced to them that they needed to be ‘gone’ in 5 minutes. Once again, Jim informed me of his relationship with the owner. This time, I was unfazed. There was no ‘backing down’, but courage, boldness, and assurance. As I spoke to Jim, I could see the shock in his eyes. The themes of my words were directed towards their blatant disrespect. After verbalizing my thoughts, I walked away ensuring their must needed departure in five (now two) minutes.

I decided to briefly separate myself from the situation by going to the restroom. While returning to the group fitness room, I heard Jim conveying his disbelief in me asking them to depart, so classes can be held on-time. Jim was so angry, he was swearing/cursing. As I walked into the room, I told Jim to ‘watch his mouth’. He then said to me that he only said, BULLSHIT! My immediate thought was ‘really!’ This angered me. I called Jim a ‘hypocrite’, that his preaching of Christianity (one day) and un-Christian actions (another day) was my basis. Of course, Jim was really upset by what I said.

After the situation ‘simmered down’ and I gave it some thought, I somewhat felt bad for calling Jim a hypocrite. I analyzed for a time period ‘why’ I felt this way. Did his actions demonstrate the opposite behavior of a Christian lifestyle? Did he acknowledge that he was a Christian? Did he state that his friend’s lifestyle was ungodly? Was he disrespectful to the gym, its employee, class, and participants? The answer to all my questions (from my interaction with Jim) was ‘yes’. So why, did I feel bad? His actions and words were obviously hypocritical to what he professed.

I’m convinced that I felt ‘bad’ because of the politically correct world that I reside. As a believer, every day, I encounter offensive behavior or language at my workplace. The perpetrators are not apologetic or aware. There appears to be no thought given to my offense. Profanity and indecencies are accepted as commonalities among adults. This is how worldly people communicate and act, not Christians. Therefore, when a self-professed Christian begins acting ungodly, you must remind him/her of their ultimate calling in being witnesses for Jesus Christ. Quickly get their attention and don’t feel bad for it (Galatians 6:1). Yes, we have all fall short of the glory of God, but direct, intentional, and un-repented sin must be met ‘head on’. Your courage to provide another view to your brother/sister in Christ may save them from a very unfortunate situation. If you are met with objection, know that its not you they reject, but Jesus Christ. Stand firm in your Faith and stand for righteousness. If the truth will not be accepted by them, it will definitely set you free in expressing it. We all need accountability in our life. If you are on the receiving end of correction, for your own sake, repent and ask God to help you comply to His way of living. It is for your own good.

This may not be the most encouraging blog written, but it can be, if you will accept the challenge to be a witness for Christ. There are black and whites and yes and no’s. The bible is not antiquated; it’s the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). God’s words still apply to modern day life. Verbally and physically express your concern for ungodly living to Christians and non-Christians. Set yourself apart and be holy (1 Peter 1:16). Please, be encouraged and live for Jesus Christ.

If you choose to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, please click on the link below. Also, welcome to the family!

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx

Sustaining Encouragement

My freshman year in college was an ‘eye-opening’ experience. I moved approximately 60 miles from my home town to attend junior college on an athletic-scholarship. Many of my teammates were more experienced, athletic, and capable of immediately playing collegiate level. I was ‘hands down’ the worst conditioned player. My lack of cardiovascular and muscular endurance caused the team to run more wind sprints than planned. I couldn’t seem to get across the finish line before time expired. It was a horrifying experience. Being ‘singled out’ in this manner was definitely not my plan. Dreading practice became a daily ordeal. I had to choose, ‘fight or flight’. Thankfully, I fought. In my mind, there was no other choice. With improvements came some success, but to my head coach, a reputation had been established. No matter how well or hard I practiced or performed in games, my playing time didn’t improve. Internally without doubt, I knew if the chance was given to me- I would play well.

After a frustrating freshman year, due to my amount of playing time and recognition, I flirted with quitting and transferring to another college. During the end of the spring term, the college’s head assistant coach decided to move on. I respected his authority as a coach; although, he did not play college basketball. He attained a law degree, but decided coaching was his way. Throughout some of our practices, it was easy to see his passion for ‘the game’. When he informed the freshmen class of his upcoming departure, we were upset for good reasons. After making his announcement, I had the opportunity to individually speak with him. During this meeting, he told me something that ‘stuck’. Although, I had struggled to find an athletic identity throughout my freshman season; he saw my uniqueness. He said, '...in my upcoming sophomore season, I could be the leading scorer and rebounder; if I choose'. His prophecy was fulfilled.

Joseph, the son of Jacob, had a similar experience. His vision had the potential of not coming to past, if he would have not accepted his ‘dream’. Joseph, already being disliked by his brothers for being his father’s favorite, expressed his dream to his family. His vision summarized the entire family being under his authority. His siblings and father weren’t impressed and accepted it as arrogance. Joseph was labeled as a ‘dreamer’, as he was not the oldest son (the pre-ordained appointed heir). His brothers devised a plan to get rid of him (Genesis 37). Unfortunately, Joseph’s vision didn’t foretell being sold as a slave and years of trials and tribulations. Joseph endured mockery, betrayal, and wrongful allegations. Yet, his belief in God’s promise and himself helped him maintain Godly integrity. Throughout Joseph’s journey of becoming the ruler of Egypt and saving his family from a massive famine were plenty of opportunities for discouragement. The Bible states that ‘the Lord was with Joseph…’ During Joseph’s hardships, his real identity was recognized by a foreign king. Although, this new country was unfamiliar with Joseph’s God; they saw the favor of God on his life and wisely exalted Joseph because of it. Eventually Joseph’s family was at his door step needing his assistance for survival. Those who attempted to destroy him and God’s plan were publicly humbled. Joseph’s dream became a reality. (Genesis 39-45)

The world is full of doubt and unbelief. Life gives us opportunities to accept others perceptions and final defeat. Joseph’s dream took awhile to manifest. He lived a Godly life and was granted favor. His faith in God’s dream for his life caused him to be righteous. It didn’t take long for others to recognize his talents and potential. It first took him to ‘walk his talk’ and become a person of purpose. His faith activated his future by being proactive in his present. God has granted many blessings to those who choose to obey him. As He is a God who requires faith (Deuteronomy 11:13-15), time plays a role in his will being displayed. People were created to rule and have dominion. However, many people are not doing so, due to following a set of rules that are contrary to God’s commandments. This is the cause to unbelief, despair, and defeat in several areas of life. The end result of these actions is death (Romans 6:15-23); death to peace, joy, and overall health.

God has placed a dream in everyone’s heart. If mentioned to friends and family, your dream, like Joseph’s, may be ridiculed, misunderstood, and labeled. The more you accept this dream and God’s ways in helping bring to past; the more peace you will have (John 14:26-28). As you begin walking in faith of His will, others around you will notice (but, may not verbally express) the reality of your greatness in 'this area of life'. You were created for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Live like it! If you have no ‘dream’, you have even more the reason to pursue Him starting with giving your life to Christ. Jesus Christ has promised his followers a Helper, who will assist in carrying out God’s will. An Assistance who will immediately notice and magnify your gift. By practicing Christ’s way, it will be no need for a coach or authority figure to acknowledge your potential. Deep down inside, you will acquire an unshakeable faith of your future and its holdings. God may use someone to temporarily encourage you, but His encouragement will sustain and remain in your spirit, if you remain in Him (John 14:11-14).

If you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.

www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_with_God.aspx