I have been playing basketball at my local 24 hour fitness a few times a week for these past few months. I LOVE IT!!!! I always enjoyed basketball more than any other sport I was playing. I forgot how much I loved the competition of playing against another person when you stop them from scoring or when you shoot a three from the corner to end the game. To say the least, it is one of the highlights of my week.
But I do have a hidden agenda when playing. I want to help guys meet Jesus. With this in mind there are a lot of things I can't get away with. Case in point, yesterday we were playing 5 on 5 full court basketball and I was playing against a guy who plays regularly up there when I do. He has been a bit hard to get to know, he is a bit rough. One thing he really likes to do is throw his weight around by pushing and shoving on defense. Yesterday, I came down with a rebound and he chest bumped me into the wall.
As I laid there I had a few thoughts running through my mind "One ninja kick to the chest would put him down and everyone would probably think it is the greatest move of all time." "If I cry in front of everyone I will have to find a new gym and turn in my man card." "I wonder what would happen if I pantsed him and ran out of the gym?" Then the one that stopped me in my tracks: "What is the most loving thing I can do?"
As he stood over me, chest out, staring down like he did something impressive I said..."I sure am sorry you had to run into me, I hope I didn't hurt you." He stared for a second and then gave me the biggest smile I had ever seen him give as he extended his hand to help me up. After the game he came over and apologized. It made me smile.
You see, there is a very carnal and sinful side of me that wants to exact revenge when I feel I have been wounded but all of those wounds have been dealt with by Jesus. So now pick up basketball games now carry an eternal influence with them. How I react will effect how people will view Jesus in my life. I don't take that kind of perspective lightly.
My prayer is that we as God's kids would realize that there is much more on the line than we typically want to accept. Everything we do will speak of what God is doing in our lives. Every action and reaction will have consequences that speak of a story much grander than the one just about you.
Though I have many more stories of getting this wrong, yesterday I am convinced I brought a smile on my Heavenly Father's face. That my friend, is a good day.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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