Tag: competition

“These Are Your Gods…”

So all the people took off the gold rings that were on their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from them, fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it into an image of a calf. Then they said, “Israel, these are your gods, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!”  When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of it and made an announcement: “There will be a festival to the Lord tomorrow.” (Exodus 32:3-5 CSB)

The world has been in festival mode this past week. The 2026 Winter Olympics opened in Milan/Cortina, Italy last Friday, and the competition continues for over two weeks. Elite athletes from all over the globe will demonstrate their skills and artistry on the snow and ice. And there will be a lot of gold medals worn around the necks of the winners, held up for admiration, while flags and banners are waved. News organizations will present stories of glorious achievements, humble beginnings, determination, bravery, and pride. Hometowns and home nations will cheer their local favorites as they compete. And some of the winners will become (or already are) celebrities. One of the figure skaters has been proclaimed “the Quad God” for his ability to execute “quad” jumps– jumping with enough height and speed to complete four rotations in mid-air before landing safely–in all six of the jump categories.

At the same time, American Football fans were gearing up for the “Superbowl” game last Sunday. Many of the athletes who compete in professional football earn millions of dollars each season for their ability to run, pass, catch, guard, kick, and otherwise help their team get a leather oblong object into an “end zone” and score points. And many of them also become celebrities, making even more money for endorsing items, shooting commercials, dating other celebrities, etc. But this year, the attention was not so much on the football teams or individual players in the game. The attention was on two “teams” offering entertainment during the half-time break. There was Team Bad Bunny v. Team Turning Point.

I have no idea who “won” the entertainment competition– reports vary from different sources. Both claim to have been very popular and successful. Both claim to have represented “America” and patriotism in their very different ways.

But a few days away from the hoopla of opening ceremonies and early competitions and Facebook feuds between people defending their half-time viewing (who seemingly didn’t bother to watch the actual football game!), I’m reminded of a festival that took place thousands of years ago in the wilderness.

At the very moment when Moses was on Mt. Sinai, talking to God and receiving the sacred Commandments, the people of Israel were having an orgy in direct rebellion against God. About three months before this profane festival, the Israelites were leaving behind generations of slavery and oppression in Egypt. God, through miracles and plagues, rescued His people, and even caused the Egyptians to be generous, loading them down with gifts of gold, silver, precious gems, and other resources. Now, three months later, after God’s miraculous victory over the Egyptian army at the Red Sea, and his provision of meat, bread, and water in the desert, the same people who promised to serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob– the God who had rescued and sustained them throughout their travels–were piling up “their” gold to create “their” own “god.” A golden calf, that could neither hear nor see; neither speak nor walk– a lifeless image made from their own fear and pride and self-righteous pronouncements.

There was no Golden Calf at the Superbowl– there was a “Bad Bunny” instead. And, lest the “other team” feel superior, they appear to have abandoned the Solid Rock for a Kid Rock. Two celebrities (among many others represented that night) catering to the whims and visions of “America” held by two warring factions. And in Italy, there is the “Quad God” and athletes who are using the spotlight to lecture the world on morality and virtue. The world is pinning its hopes and affections on false gods and goddesses, man-made virtues, and ideals of what makes us “holy.”

Yet here we are, several days later, and I don’t experience any of the virtues or morals that are being touted by these self-proclaimed “gods” and “spokespeople.” Bad Bunny ended his “entertainment” by saying, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” Sounds virtuous– even inspirational–except I don’t see the love. I hear screaming, posturing, hatred for anyone who doesn’t share the same “message,” and tribalism. I see angry faces and violence against neighbors. We’ve replaced the real virtue of Love with the false virtue of “being holier than thou.”

4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 1 Corintians 13:4-8 (CSB)

And strangely enough, it took me several hours to find out who actually “won” the Superbowl game on Sunday (congratulations, Seattle Seahawks!) or find out about who won medals in sports other than ice skating. Everyone was fighting over backflips, bunnies, rocks, ideologies, sound bites, and flags.

“These are your gods…” Who (or what) is really worthy of our praise, trust, commitment, and love? Are we worshipping idols, or ideals, that do not reflect God’s love? In our quest to be on the “right side” of history, are we repeating some historical mistakes? Whatever takes up most of our energy, our affection, our loyalty, and our time– those ARE our gods– whether we acknowledge them as such or not.

Holy and Majestic God, I pray that I would truly love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May I be so focused on You, Your Word, and Your Character, that I would not turn my eyes, ears, or heart to another. Help me to remember what You say about Love, and to wait for Your guidance and leadership as I travel through the wilderness of our culture. Amen!

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Childlike or Childish?

This is the week of our local County Fair. People around here are pretty excited. The exhibits, the rides, the animals, the events and attractions, the food, the games…there is a little something for everyone. I love watching the faces of the children– their wonder and excitement is contagious as they see the various farm animals, or ride the Merry-Go-Round, or discover the joys of Cotton Candy and Elephant Ears.

I grew up with the County Fair– not just as a visitor, but as a participant. And I am encouraged to see a new generation showing animals, exhibiting craft projects, learning new skills, and having fun. Some of them will return as 4-H parents; some to work as judges or to volunteer at a booth for local churches, clubs or businesses ; some to visit from out of town with their own children and grandchildren. There is something about a County Fair that is simple and pure–something that can inspire childlike wonder, even in adults.

Childlikeness is something we are called to by Christ. He loved children, and He told His disciples that if they wanted to be part of God’s Kingdom, they would have to become like little children (See Matthew 18:2-4). We are to pray to Our Father, having childlike faith in His good will and His promise to hear us. Childlike faith is not “blind” faith. Children are often frightened by the big animals or loud noises at the Fair. And they tend, (especially small children) to want to hold hands or stay close to those they know. But they also want to see and experience “everything”– because they trust that their parents and the Fair organizers will not put them in jeopardy. A childlike attitude and trust in God brings us the kind of joy and peace we see in children as they discover, rejoice, explore, and enjoy life– especially during Fair week.

This is not to be confused with childishness. While Jesus encouraged His disciples to have childlike faith, He reminded them that the “children of Israel” had often behaved with childish disobedience and complaining. God is a loving Father. He wants children who follow Him out of love, and who trust Him completely. But He will also lovingly discipline those who have developed a childish rebellious streak. I didn’t see much childishness at last year’s fair, but when I did, it was not exhibited by children, but by those who consider themselves adults. Tantrums, selfish demands, complaining about the weather or the crowds or the noise… While the children at the fair were gracious “winners” and “losers” at the shows, patient and content (for the most part) as they waited for rides or food, some of the adults were grouchy, whine-y, and difficult to please. I’m sure I missed a couple of epic meltdowns by toddlers, and some tears from a few exhibitors, but most of the children were just thrilled to be able to go to the Fair again.

It is easy to recognize and call out childish behavior in others. Obnoxious, foolish, self-centered, unreasonable– those are just some of the adjectives such behavior warrants. A childlike attitude is also easy to recognize– eager, grateful, joyful, hopeful, teachable, honest and open, loving and caring. Oddly, I know several adults who sneer at childlike behavior, even as they exhibit childish behaviors. They brag about their very “adult” approach– cynical, “realistic,” confident, “tough,” clever, independent, and self-sufficient. But they are stressed, angry, bored, distrustful, lonely, and sad. Our loving Father wants so much better for us! Being with childish people is tiring and depressing; being around childlike people is refreshing, joyful, and encouraging!

I’ve been thinking this week about my own attitude. The County Fair will come and go this year, but each day comes with wonders and struggles, competitions, waiting in lines, and dealing with crowds. Do I face them with an attitude that is childlike or childish? Do I trust God to be with me when I go through new experiences, even if they are a bit daunting? Or do I complain and demand my own way, expecting to “win” every game or competition, dragging myself and others through stress and tears? Father, help me to see Your world through childlike eyes of wonder and gratitude. Help me to see others with the love and joy You alone can inspire.

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Ugly Christmas Sweaters

It’s that season of the year, when several companies have their annual “Christmas Parties.” Some companies, in an effort not to offend any of their employees, investors, etc., have stopped calling them “Christmas” parties– they are “holiday” parties or “year-end” celebrations. In fact, at one place I worked, they stopped having any parties for the employees, claiming it was a “bad look” to “waste” money on such nonsense! Bah, Humbug!

But company Christmas/Holiday parties have a tendency toward the silliest and least meaningful ways of celebrating what this season and its holidays are all about. Often, the festivities involve a cash (or open) bar, some sort of anonymous gift exchange– white elephant or “secret Santa” with a spending limit of $5 or $10 dollars, and an ugly sweater contest.

And there is an entire industry predicated on the modern tradition of the “ugly” holiday sweater. Garish, loud, often bedecked with pom-poms, tinsel, or even battery-operated flashing lights, such sweaters can cost a minor fortune. They get worn once a year (twice if you have to go to a second party with a spouse, friend, or as a chaperone). And, while I don’t want them banned, I think they represent some of the worst excesses of our modern first world. They serve no higher purpose than to draw attention to bad taste and mock the core values of Christmas, Hanukkah, and other seasonal holidays. They are about tacky and fleeting entertainment, at the expense of higher virtues. 

I’m not trying to be a Scrooge or a Grinch. The holidays should be a time of joy and laughter. But is a tacky sweater really the best we can come up with? Is it in the top ten best ways to enjoy a season of miracles, love, light, giving, and hope? (I feel the same way about the focus on drinking– waking up hungover and sick; not being able to remember the end of the party– how is this “fun?”)

In our effort to have “Christmas” without “Christ” or Hanukkah without miracles; in our efforts to erase God from the celebrations of HIS goodness, we have created a level of fake celebration that echoes the story of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” We’re walking around with ugly sweaters, each more elaborately ugly than the one before, considering it a triumph to be the biggest fool in a forest of foolishness.

Imagine giving that ugly Christmas sweater to someone who was homeless and had no warm clothes. Would it make you laugh to see someone in those circumstances wearing your once-a-year indulgence? Would your ugly sweater bring hope and healing to those who are refugees this season? Do you wear it when no one else can see it? The sweater isn’t about the season. It really has nothing to do with the meaning of the Holidays. It’s about impressing people with your willingness to stand out; your ingenuity in finding an uglier sweater than anyone else; it’s about YOU.

What would happen if, instead of an ugly sweater contest, seeing who can drink the most before passing out, or a white elephant exchange of worthless gifts, companies celebrated with worthwhile activities– building community ties, honoring achievements, or maybe even reflecting on miracles in our midst? What if our celebrations were less about empty amusements and more about reflecting on what is genuinely worth celebrating–health, friendships, family, hope, and purpose? They might be less amusing, but they might also be more memorable and meaningful.

There’s nothing “wicked” about ugly sweaters or white elephants– but they are becoming symbols of the kind of “Christ-less” Christmas that offers mild entertainment, but no hope for the dark days of a long winter. They are some of the symbols of excessive economic wealth in the midst of emotional and moral poverty. Naked and empty entertainment, pretending to offer light and satisfaction, but settling for glitter and gluttony.

Today, I’m going to wear a sweatshirt to keep warm, and I’m going to spend some time with my family– building memories that will last much longer than last season’s ugly sweater! And I will spend some time thanking God for the sweatshirt, my grandkids, and for the incredible gift of His Son–the real meaning of this season of love, gifts, miracles and hope–our real reason for celebrating Christ-mas!

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Going For the Prize

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. I Corinthians 4:24 (ESV)

I mentioned the other day that the county fair is on in our area.  Each day of the fair, young people from around the county (and some from neighboring counties) have been showing livestock.  The animals are judged on their general health and appearance, weight, height, and other factors that mark them as the best of their breed or class.  The young people are judged on their presentation, their knowledge of their animal (anatomy, breed, hygiene, health, etc.), and their ability to “show” the animal– to keep in still, to pose it, and, in some cases, to walk or trot it in a pattern.  Different shows and different judges will determine which animals are worthy of prizes and which of the youth deserve a prize for “showmanship.”  Both are coveted awards.

animal countryside agriculture farm
Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

The young competitors spend countless hours and work incredibly hard to get their animals (and themselves) ready for the judging.  Animals and their handlers are scrubbed, groomed, brushed, gussied, and polished.  They preen and pose for the judges, and the students answer questions, listening for instruction and correction, and show both self-confidence and respect for those in charge of the show.  They also show respect for each other, and often lend a hand (or a brush) to help someone else.

horse action dutch sports
Photo by Matthias Zomer on Pexels.com

What would happen if everyone showed up in ripped shorts or pajamas?  What if the animals were running loose, filthy and un-groomed?

agriculture animals avian beaks
Photo by Fancycrave.com on Pexels.com

The Apostle Paul spoke of the Christian life as a race–one that we should run so as to receive the prize.  When we serve, when we worship, when we pray, when we study– we should be giving it all our passion, all our energy, all our focus.

Most of these competitors will not win the trophy or the purple ribbon– but most of them will still go home winners– because they gave it their all.  They did the work, and built the discipline, and came prepared to win or lose with grace.  The trophies and ribbons are wonderful and colorful, but the true prize is the discipline, the knowledge, and the character that are built long before the judgment day.

man wearing white sweater and black shorts about to run
Photo by nappy on Pexels.com

May that be true for all of us as we travel through this life– may we grow in discipline and character to be more like Christ.  He is the prize for which we work and train and run and pray.  May we “show ourselves approved” (2 Timothy 2:15).

And may we pray for a spirit that does not grow weary or apathetic; a spirit willing to listen for correction and instruction; may we show up ready to give our best, even if the prize (and the praise) goes to someone else today.

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