Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
1 Corinthians 9:25-26
August Greetings Friends!
I sure hope your July went much better than mine (more on that below), and we pray you are experiencing the blessings of our awesome God.
Are you watching the Summer Olympics in Paris? My family always enjoys watching the athletes compete. Our nation’s, and other nations, finest young athletes have trained their entire young lives for this moment. It’s their time to shine and display the gifts that God has given them as they pursue the prize of an Olympic medal. Regardless of their personal outcome, they have an experience that very few have. Their pursuits are fleeting as Paul tells us, but they deserve our respect and our honor.
The enemy always wants to steal, kill, and destroy this moment for them and for us. The Opening Ceremonies showcased the increasing darkness of our world for billions to see. But it makes no sense to “box as one beating the air” in response. Our response should be as the Olympic athletes – compete as commissioned by their nation. Likewise, we must each compete as Jesus commissioned his Church to win the “imperishable” prize.
Elon Musk recently said, “Unless there is more bravery to stand up for what is fair and right, Christianity will perish.” While nothing will ever cause Christianity to perish completely, as we know the end of the story, Christianity has a history of rising and falling. Consider that just 150 years ago, Christianity was flourishing in Europe but now much of Europe is an unreached people group. Consider the decline in Biblical worldview in the USA across the past generations. Our newest generation, Gen Alpha, has a Biblical worldview of less than 4%, down from my Boomer generation of 10%.
Aa a self-confessed “cultural Christian,” Elon’s “brave” approach is likely not what Jesus had in mind when he told his disciples to “Go, therefore and make disciples.” What should our approach be? Christ’s Church needs more brave witnesses, more brave proclamation of the Gospel, more brave prayer, and more brave love shining the Light in the present darkness. Only Light casts out darkness.
Let’s pursue the imperishable prize in the brave Spirit of our LORD. Let’s follow His example of bravery. Let’s celebrate those who compete for that prize, our amazing volunteers and team, who together this summer reached more than 1,000 children with the Good News of Jesus Christ. And, let me encourage you, if you’re not yet competing, to get trained and join us to win the imperishable prize.
That’s how we push back the darkness and change the future together!
Brian Considine, Director – CEF Dallas
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