A FEW YEARS ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.
All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. They all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better."
Then all nine of them linked arms and walked across the finish line together. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for some time.
People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What truly matters in this life is helping others win too, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.--Selected
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
"SEPERATE YOURSELVES"
2 COR. 6:17a says, "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.” (NIV)
You cannot keep the fellowship of the world, participate in its pleasures, identify yourself with its interests, and still be the sons of God."
One reason Christ’s Church has so little influence on unbelieving relatives, friends and associates is that there has been so little marked difference between our practices on a daily basis, and those of the world." We too often look like the world rather than imitate Christ.
There is no middle ground, no gray area. The distinction is to be decisively apparent. In other words, by observing my daily life, a person ought to be able to see, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am a follower of Jesus Christ every moment. Nothing to hide if others come to visit.
"We have a representation to make, to the world, a representation of pure principles, holy ambitions, noble aspirations, that will distinguish us from all other people, making us a separate nation, a different, peculiar people." We should not blend in and go unnoticed for who it is that we represent.
"There are conditions to meet if we are to be blessed and honored by God. We are to separate from the world and the affections it offers, and refuse to touch those things that will separate our affections from God."
Our lives must be searched for any hidden corner where the world has put down its roots, any area in which we are out of harmony with the life that Jesus lived on this earth.
Some folks have worldly anchors that are holding them to this world, and keeping them from soaring with God’s people. Throw those anchors overboard and be separate from the ways and ideals of this world. How important is it for you to make it to heaven? Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.
For the true Christian this is not a time to relax our principles, better yet, God’s principles. It is not a time to enjoy what unbelievers enjoy. It is not a time to follow the fashions of this world, but follow modesty as God’s Word declares. It is not a time to let the world shape our recreational tastes, neither is it time to heap up treasures on this earth. This is a time to come apart and be separate. Which side will you be on?
You cannot keep the fellowship of the world, participate in its pleasures, identify yourself with its interests, and still be the sons of God."
One reason Christ’s Church has so little influence on unbelieving relatives, friends and associates is that there has been so little marked difference between our practices on a daily basis, and those of the world." We too often look like the world rather than imitate Christ.
There is no middle ground, no gray area. The distinction is to be decisively apparent. In other words, by observing my daily life, a person ought to be able to see, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am a follower of Jesus Christ every moment. Nothing to hide if others come to visit.
"We have a representation to make, to the world, a representation of pure principles, holy ambitions, noble aspirations, that will distinguish us from all other people, making us a separate nation, a different, peculiar people." We should not blend in and go unnoticed for who it is that we represent.
"There are conditions to meet if we are to be blessed and honored by God. We are to separate from the world and the affections it offers, and refuse to touch those things that will separate our affections from God."
Our lives must be searched for any hidden corner where the world has put down its roots, any area in which we are out of harmony with the life that Jesus lived on this earth.
Some folks have worldly anchors that are holding them to this world, and keeping them from soaring with God’s people. Throw those anchors overboard and be separate from the ways and ideals of this world. How important is it for you to make it to heaven? Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.
For the true Christian this is not a time to relax our principles, better yet, God’s principles. It is not a time to enjoy what unbelievers enjoy. It is not a time to follow the fashions of this world, but follow modesty as God’s Word declares. It is not a time to let the world shape our recreational tastes, neither is it time to heap up treasures on this earth. This is a time to come apart and be separate. Which side will you be on?
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