YESTERDAY, I started reading my devotional. As I began to read, I noticed that the topic was forgiveness. Immediately, I decided that I didn’t need to hear another message about forgiveness, because there wasn't anyone that I needed to forgive. This same day, I needed to mow my front lawn. So, I downloaded the latest sermons of some of my favorite ministers to my IPod. I assumed this would be a good substitute. As usual, the messages were motivating, inspiring, and Christ centered.
TODAY, I woke up beginning my morning ritual of email checking and coffee drinking. During this time, I noticed that there were still old basketball pictures lying on my desk, which I had scanned to add to my Facebook page for fun. This sparked me to check my alma mater’s media guide. Earlier in the month, I had told my wife and oldest son that I had broken the school’s top 10 in two categories for a single season and career records. After the completion of my senior season, I was given a document created by the university’s media relations department indicating single season and career stats. As I looked through the media guide stats, I saw familiar names. However, my name was no where to be found for the stats in which I should have been recognized (according to university’s media relations document). Immediately, I was offended and took it personal.
My college basketball playing years were complex. At times, it was absolutely awesome in all ways; while at other times, it was miserable. My head coaches and I never saw ‘eye to eye’. As mentioned in past blogs, I always challenged authority. My senior season was no different. Although, I was a team captain and starter; I did not hold back on sharing my dislikes for my head coach. Needless to say, he was not a player’s coach. Some of my concerns and comments were legitimate, but not necessary. This boldness caused a major conflict. By the end of the season, he openly confessed in front of the team that he knew that I did not like him and that the feeling was mutual. I could go on with different scenarios, but I feel the point has been made. He did not like me and I did not like him.
My relationship with my coach disturbed me for awhile. I can remember praying about disappointment in authority relationships; asking God to help me forgive and to be forgiven for my insubordination. During this prayer, my coach was mentioned. I thought this was final. However, when my name was not recognized for hard-earned records; I immediately became emotionally hostile exclaiming to my wife, that he possibly singled me out. All the memories resurfaced along with the past emotions. My patient and understanding wife reassured and encouraged me that it was possibly overlooked. After I told her several stories about this coach with hopes that she would see things my way, she asked me if I had read my devotional today. I hadn’t.
After I calmed down, I opened my devotional. The devotional is day specific with month and date. I searched for August 21st. I began reading it, but wasn’t quite sure why my wife thought ‘being light in a dark world’ had anything to do with our conversation. I quickly glanced to August 20th, which was the adjoining page and figured it out. My wife was a day behind in her devotionals. Today, she read about forgiveness. This was the same devotion, which I neglected the day before due to my ego. The lesson I learned from this situation is apparently simple. Always read my devotional, no matter what the subject or where I (believe I) stand in my relationship with God.
Proverbs 16:18 states ‘Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall’ (English Standard Version: ESV). Man, oh man, did I fall! Thankfully, I heeded the encouragement to seek the Lord, which helped realign my actions and thoughts. God is so faithful and continues to provide substance. The Spirit-led Bible study written years ago was exactly what I needed to sustain me for the upcoming day. However, I chose not to partake in what God had provided. There are so many promises in the Word of God to help us in today’s times. The error in our ways are many. From believing that the Bible is irrelevant (not literal), old-fashioned/conservative to too simple leads to a path of devastation. God’s word is relevant in every form. There is no subject matter that He has failed to cover. Parenting, marriage, career, forgiveness, friendships, etc. can all still thrive in today’s world, if you follow His guidance. Not only one area will you prevail, but all.
There are plenty of worldly examples of success in single areas of life (such as financial accumulation), but not all areas. Many celebrities excel in developing riches and material wealth. As rich as they may be, most fail in other vital areas. Without accepting God’s provided substance for life, they will fall short. No one is excluded from this principle. Celebrities are simply the easy target. Jesus Christ said it best, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4-ESV). Knowing, believing, and following only a few scriptures will give few successes. Knowing, believing, and following all scripture will give you overall success in every area of life.
If you find yourself failing in an area of life, pick up a Bible and seek instruction. God will help you overcome. Take it from me; it’s best to be prepared for Satan's attacks. He’s crafty and recognizes your vulnerable areas. Do not ever let down your guard with arrogance, as I did. If so, you will be defeated. Remain in prayer, be on guard, and consistently rely on God’s word. In doing this, you will succeed.
Stay encouraged!
Accepting Jesus Christ is the first step to having a relationship with God. Chose God’s plan for your salvation.
If you desire to have a personal relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.
http://www.cbn.com/stepstopeace/index.aspx
