1 John 1:5-6
Jesus told us that God is light and doesn’t have any darkness in him. Now we are telling you.
If we say that we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In El Paso, Texas, a developmentally disabled student at Coronado High School named Mitchell Marcus serves as the basketball team’s manager. As the squad suited up to play Franklin High, Coach Peter Morales told Marcus to suit up, too. The game was winding down when Morales signaled for Marcus to take the court. The crowd chanted, “Mitchell! Mitchell” as the young man attempted several shots… all unsuccessful in producing a score. Down by some 10 points, the ball was inbounded by Franklin High’s senior, Jonathon Montanez, who yelled out Mitchell’s name and passed the ball to him directly under the basket. Mitchell scored, and the crowd went wild. After the game, Montanez said, "I was raised to treat others how you want to be treated…I just thought Mitchell deserved his chance - deserved his opportunity."
This selfless act did not change the game’s outcome… Franklin High won by 15 points. But that’s not the point. Jonathon Montanez demonstrated integrity, which www.dictionary.com describes as “soundness of moral character.” Granted, his decision did not cost his team the game. But I have to wonder how many players in Montanez’ position would have even considered this – much less done it! This seems like a small gesture. But it demonstrates this young man’s capacity to think of someone other than himself…to see the bigger picture…to do the right thing.
We all know people with big hearts who seem to have a penchant for always acting with honor and decency. We also know people who claim the name of Jesus and then operate in the dark… the person who will tell you how much he/she loves the LORD while “twisting the knife in someone’s back,” so to speak. We’ve seen the posts on social media outlets by those who say they love God and desire to serve Him… then speak with such unkindness – and sometimes downright hatred – that you can’t begin to believe they truly have ANY light – much less the light of God - within them!
What about you? When others look at you…what do they see? Are you known as someone who lives in the light of God and shares it with others? Or are you lying – to others and to yourself? Do you live by the truth… or do you twist things to suit your needs? You can’t have it both ways. We truly are either “in” or “out!” God is seeking believers who will operate with complete integrity… impeccable soundness of moral character…who always tell the truth and act honestly, fairly, and in the best interest of all concerned.
Each of us needs to do an “integrity inventory” to make sure our moral character is not lacking in any aspect. We have claimed the name of Jesus… we must now be willing to treat others as we wish to be treated… to throw the ball to the opponent and give him/her a moment in the sun. We must remove all darkness from our lives and step into God’s light, once and for all. Are you ready?
©2013 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment