“But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have made it, who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.” Psalm 73.3,4,5
The intensity and heat in the discussions surpassed my greatest moment in sport. One could easily see the verbal battle approaching. Financial pressures on everyone, two managers who appear to hate each other, and fuzzy facts. Yesterday, nine-thirty a.m. was the showdown. Guns drawn in Dodge City would be easier!
The various characters were scattered all over Europe, linked through a conference call. We could not see each other however that did not stop the swords from being drawn. Luckily, my counterpart was playing the role of referee more than that of a combatant ready to join the battle. In many ways, I felt set up; regardless we must play out the game.
For that day, I came out on top; time will tell who remains on top of the battle. The disturbing realization came as I reflected on my admiration of the different fighting styles. I saw warriors trying to survive with nine lives. I found myself drawn to their lives, wondering if they had keys I could use. My admiration (envy) was clear and palatable.
It is easy, in the heat of battle, to believe this conflict is the mother of all conflicts. I know in my heart that this is not the case, but in the middle of the intensity, it is easy to forget! God’s battle carries eternal stakes. The struggle between God and Evil is for my life and yours. While the outcome of the conflict is now decided, our choice of who to fight for is still very much undecided. We carry the keys to our own destiny. We have the ultimate weapon in our possession.
I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, but now I am looking to God. Stay with me on the winning side.
