.
Looking in a mirror and being honest with ourselves is one of the most
difficult things we can do. Many times we reason away all our imperfections.
We justify all our words and deeds. Who are we fooling? Greetings in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Sponsors make the racing world go round. We need them to support our
racing program. We also need to represent them and promote their interests.
Racing has a loyal fan base and that can be very beneficial to a sponsor
who, in turn, pays for that opportunity.
What happens when we don’t represent our sponsor well? Or maybe we just
don’t fit the profile. What would you think if a 16 year old started
promoting Geritol? How believable do you think he/she would be?
The same thing is true with Christ, when we claim to be Christian, Christ
Like, we say that we have given our life over to Christ and are making every
effort to live a life that reflects His character. My point is, sometimes we
are not doing a very good job.
I was watching an event recently and observed a man I know, he says all
the right things and claims to be a Christian, but when I hear what others
say about him and I watch the way he handles himself on and off the track I
cannot help but wonder if he really is trying.
When you have several officials, accompanied by a few State Troopers,
follow you to your trailer after the feature and they would like to discuss
your behavior, maybe there is some work to be done.
When other competitors comment that if you remain in their division then
they will change divisions or race somewhere else, maybe there are things
that need to be addressed. Listen to how James puts it;
James 1:22-25 (New Living
Translation), But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what
it says.
Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word
and don’t obey,
it is like glancing at your face in a mirror; you see yourself, walk away,
and forget what you look like.
But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if
you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard,
then God will bless you for doing it.
You see just claiming to be a Christian is not
enough, we need to act like one. We need to be obedient to God. We need to
change the priorities in our lives. Not an easy task when it requires
putting the needs of others first. Most times in our lives our needs come
first and when we have taken care of what we need then we look around to see
if there is anyone else in need.
That is not the way God intended us to behave, if we think so then we are
fooling ourselves. We can rationalize it all we want, but the fact is we
tend to care more about ourselves than others.
Take a look in the mirror or better yet, let someone video tape you and
watch it back. Is it easy for other’s to see God in our behavior? James says
when you look in a mirror you should see what you claim to be. We shouldn’t
be two faced, looking one way and then another.
Many times we can behave properly when people are watching. It is a rare
occasion that we behave poorly in front of a crowd. Don’t get me wrong it
does and will happen. I see it every day. That just indicates that we need
more practice at doing what we ought to and less practice of doing what we
want.
We need to follow the example Jesus set for us, we need to follow God’s
direction. Even when it is not popular, attention getting, comfortable,
secure; even when it is not what we want to do. We need to do it so that
others will see the grace, mercy, compassion and peace of God.
As James says, if we claim to be Christians and do not live in obedience
to God’s word we are fooling ourselves. Not only that the rest of the world
is laughing at us also. They laugh because we are no better off knowing
Christ. They can see it in our actions.
James also says, if we are obedient and practice following God’s
direction we will be blessed. God’s favor will be on our lives. He will give
us hope, peace, joy, a fulfilling future of things that matter, not of
things that rust and fade away.
We need to be doers of the Word, not just listeners. Don’t think the
world is laughing with you because you have sinned, they are laughing at
you. Make every effort to live according to the name you have claimed, the
name of Jesus. Are we Christians? Would the world be able to tell from the
life we live?
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto
Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue
this ministry. Thank You.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and
apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
www.rwjm.com. Send us
your prayer and counseling needs no matter what part of our racing family
you are in, or give us a call. Remember that God loves you, we love you and
Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084.
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Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord
make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face
toward you and give you peace."
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
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