The Christian Problem and The Problem of Christians

Proverbs 18:12

David Brooks wrote a NY Times Op-Ed piece on February 16, 2012 about the current sports phenom, Jeremy Lin, who also happens to be a Christian. The bigger picture that was expressed in the Brooks' article expounded on the tensions that a believer faces as a result of his faith and the "moral ethos of the sports world". You can read the entire article right here: The Jeremy Lin Problem

The true tension is not a consequence of two "moral" universes colliding; it's about the immoral world clashing with the moral teachings of Jesus Christ. The basic question each Christian must ask himself each day (nay, each waking moment) is: Will I do my Father's will or my will? As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he  (Prov. 23:7). Identity is not "achieved" as much as it is accepted once you answer the call of the Holy Spirit and ask Jesus Christ into your heart (Rom. 10:9-10). Indeed, John 1:12-13 states, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

So, whether you're in a court room, classroom, work place, grocery line or in a sports arena, there never will be a reconciliation between you and the world. In John 17:15-19, Christ prays:

"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."

God didn't intended for you to reconcile with the world. In fact, the world hates Christians and doesn't care to understand them (John 7:7; 15:19). He sent Christ to redeem the world (John 3:16-17) and to reconcile it through him (Rom. 5:10; II Cor. 5:18).

Don't settle for what the world has to offer (where moth and rust can destroy), but focus on the heavenly and on God's will (storing treasures for yourself in heaven). Both Lin and Tebow are just two popular Christians who appear to seek the Lord's will. As they humble themselves and seek to glorify God, in due time, He will honor them. Consider Proverbs 18:12:

"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility."

Let Christ rule in your hearts through obeying God's word. Honor Him and He will honor you.