...and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.
Thoughts for Today:In my freshman year of high school I played on the basketball team. The coach had nicknames for everyone; many weren't especially flattering. My friend Dave's nickname was "Pipe Stem Arms". Why? Because his arms were so devoid of muscles, the coach thought they looked like pipe stems. Even in the games, in front of the whole crowd, the coach would yell, "Hey pipe stems, rebound that ball!" Over time this had a motivating influence on Dave. Although not quite what the coach intended. Dave quit basketball and became an obsessive body builder. Several years later, his flexed biceps had grown to twice the size of mine. I remember when we graduated from high school, Dave said to me, "Hey Brooksie (my nickname), I bet no one ever calls me Pipe Stem Arms again!"
Dave was a Christian and went on to compete quite successfully in numerous body building events. He used the negative comments of a coach to bring glory to God. Dave told the story of how God spoke of his worth to Him, regardless of the size of his biceps. Yet, he was also motivated to turn the dishonor of man into a "special" honor for God.
Questions to Ponder:Often we find ourselves at the foot of the Cross looking up and asking, "Why me?" On the basketball court, humiliated, I know Dave asked that question. Yet, how we respond to the many negative events we experience, will define our feeling of fullness in Christ. How have you dealt with these episodes in your life? Do you feel more full or empty? Can you treat a less honorable part of your body (or characteristic) with special honor because it is a gift from God? What about other people? Can we see beyond their physical or emotional limitations?