Living out one's value and priorities is often an exercise in frustration and joy. I often want desperately to do something, reflecting a value I hold dear, and I do exactly the opposite! My quiet time turns into busyness. My hand of help quietly turns to ego building. My belief that we are on a journey together becomes a competition where only one will survive. In the valley of these moments, I realize just how precious the moments of joy are to everyone involved. Living the paradox of both is the pain.
Yesterday most of the office wore their favorite football kit (shirts). The cause was a local charity, though I am still not sure how it worked. We wore kits, somebody was a outrageous winner, and we donated money. Who really knows, but it was for a good cause!
The range was incredible. Bright yellows represented Nigeria, Jamaica, and even Chelsea (my team!). The colors were outrageous – bright green, blinding orange, white, midnight blues, and some with a bit of everything. Even Millwall supporters wore their colors! As we gathered for a group photo, the reality of the moment struck my blind side. Who was I to tell another what team they should support and why? In then end, the overriding fact is that football is only a game.
God gift to humanity is overwhelming. God showed the universe our value; we are priceless! God laid out the rules; we cannot earn his favor – he chose us unconditionally! We can debate fine point but the facts are simple and clear. We have relationship with God, now and forever, as we express faith in Him. We gain access to God, now and forever, because of who He is! This is the beginning and end of the story.
There is a rule of etiquette that eliminates a paradox.
“Since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table.” (Romans 14.3)
Is anything more important?
