Christian vs The World

CHRISTIAN VS THE WORLD

 

LOCATION:

John 15:28  "But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'"

 

HEADLINE:

"I am not going to shove my faith down your throat, but when the opportunity presents itself, don't expect me to walk away.  This is who I am, and Jesus Christ is at the center of my life.  It's al that I am, every day, every decision that I make.  I'm going to stand up and tell you what I believe is true." - Mike Matheny

Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals Manager

GAME SUMMARY:

As the Head Coach for my daughter's 10 & Under travel softball team, Lucky Ladies, I am often faced with making coaching decisions that might upset fans, coaches, and even my players.  However they feel, in the end the decision made is the decision followed.

For example in a heated game against a very talented opponent, with the other team's best hitter up, they had runners on 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs.  I talked to my assistant coaches and decided to intentionally walk the girl to create a force at any base and in my opinion help our team win the game.  The rules we were playing under allowed me to walk her without pitching 4 balls.  But most people watching didn't know this as it was a special rule in this tournament.  Boy was I surprised what came next from the fans of the other team. 

The first word I heard from opposing fans was a lady scream "you're a monster" and then another "you are taking the game out of the girls hands".  Moving ahead we got out of the inning without allowing a run and won by 1 run.  At the handshake one of their assistant coaches, as he was shaking my hand and my assistant coach's hand called us "cheaters."  I am thinking "cheaters because we played by the rules", that was a new one to me.  I did however pop off a sarcastic remark (not a very Christian thing to do), but for the most part ignored it and helped my other coaches do the same.

Christians are often put in similar situations where they seem weird or even evil for doing something that is actually Biblical.  This challenges one's faith but also when handled correctly will open you to grow in your walk with Jesus.

The Bible says some of our biggest enemies may be from our own household.  Jesus brothers made fun of him for what he did.  Some closest to us may make the most rude comments sometimes.  Has that ever happened to you?

JOHN 7:3-5, "and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where our followers can see your miracles! You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!" For even his brothers didn't believe in him."

MVP:

   All the Christians out there that follow Jesus and do so regardless of how the world will treat them or think of them.

 

 

RECAP:

Have you ever known someone who tries to act religious but it seems they are always trying to make you feel bad?  Many times it was a very small thing, that made you feel really bad.  How did you handle this? 

PRACTICE:

Checkout Lecrae's song "Identity" and the book "Intentional Walk" for a little inspiration to this story.