CQ

It is the night of our spring awards event. As I slip into the choir room, Roger Allcroft (head varsity golf coach) is speaking praises to this year’s state championship golf team. He played a picture montage, gave out awards, and recounted numerous stories from the season. At different points during the presentation he is emotionally moved. Roger’s eyes well up with tears of pride. He is fulfilling his mission to equip the next generation. As a result of a passion for golf the athletes see more clearly the nature of Christ’s character. Although the team had accomplished the ultimate achievement in high school sports, it was when Roger spoke about moments when the players had demonstrated Christ-like character, integrity, courage, humility, and compassion, that he displayed pride and emotion. The extraordinary nature of Christ is so attractive.

The author of Hebrews 12 uses an athletic illustration to bring us to the bottom line. Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it.

Roger is one of those veterans cheering on the next generation. His life speaks, “Young people fix your eye’s on the goal, keep your eyes on Jesus. When your vision is foggy and your steps are uncertain, keep your eyes fixed on Christ.”

As the year comes to an end I find myself with a slightly foggy view on life. It is a challenge for me to keep Christ in view while attempting to keep up with a break neck pace of events, mounting tasks, and challenging relationships. It seems so important to get it all done, to be successful, to “win the state championship.” Then I remember that God’s kingdom has a completely different set of values. Thank you for reminding me Roger.

At the end of the golf awards ceremony something very extraordinary happened. There was very little gloating about a championship. As Roger completed his portion of the evening, the team got out of their seats to present their gifts to the coach, as they typically would. Then on their own initiative each player took a moment to communicate the value and admiration they felt for Roger and Eric Grimberg (their senior leader and individual state champion). These were deep, spiritual, and heartfelt statements. I found it extraordinary for young men to speak this way. It was refreshing and inspiring. As I listened to each member of the team I thought, “They get it!”

I believe this occurred because Roger and Eric live in a way that reflects the nature of Christ. Even though they both have experienced amazing success this year, humility is the word that most clearly describes these two men. Humility is so attractive and that is what has allowed Roger and Eric to speak into the lives of these young men. As we depart outside the walls of Westside this summer, let’s return with stories of Christ viewings. Let’s be near to where He is.

“So let’s go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let’s take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus’ name.” Hebrews 13:13-15

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