Whose Athlete?
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
Does your bumper tell on you?
Whose Athlete?
by Francisco Bezerra
In the last several weeks, few people have been in
evidence as much as soccer forward Marcelinho
Carioca of the Corinthians team. Not only in the
media, because of numerous games in which he has
participated, but people everywhere talk about
him, not because of his ability, talent, or the
goals he has made.
This young man has been at the forefront for two
other reasons: his undisciplined, violent, and
extremely irreverent behavior. The second reason
is that this behavior goes against the faith he
has professed before millions of people in
interviews.
Through the gospels and the Pauline letters, the
Lord Jesus exhorts us numerous times about
holiness in our attitudes: "... so that He may
establish your hearts without blame in holiness
before our God" (1 Thess. 3.13a, NASU).
We can never forget that all of us who accept
Jesus Christ as our Savior were chosen by him
"that we would be holy and blameless before Him.
In love he predestined us to adoption as sons"
(Eph. 1.4-5a). So whether we be "Athletes of
Christ" or "Executives of Christ" or Christian
Police" or whatever be our professional activity,
our testimony must be irreprehensible.
"But flee from these things, you man of God, and
pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
perseverance and gentleness" (1 Tim. 6.11).
Another fairly common example can be seen in the
streets and avenues: someone whose car has the
sticker "In the King's service" or "Exclusive
property of Jesus" ou some other that identifies
its owner as a servant of the Lord, but who drives
as if they did not care for the people in the
other cars or for the pedestrians. "Look there! A
'disciple of Christ' running the red light." Or,
"I was cut off by a 'servant of God.'"
To belong to Christ, to be of him, is to give
oneself up to his will. What does it matter to SAY
we are "of Christ" when our day-to-day testifies
against the new life? Let's be imitators of
Christ.
"I charge you in the presence of God, who gives
life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who
tesified the good confession before Pontius
Pilate, that you keep the commandment without
stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord
Jesus Christ" (1 Tim. 6.13-14).
__________
Francisco edits Edification Magazine, aside from
teaching, preaching, and evangelism in two Sao
Paulo, Brazil, congregations. He is Assistant to
the Commercial Diretor of Varig Airlines.
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