Child of God First—Everything Else Second

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I was asked a couple questions after Sunday’s sermon, so I’ll use this post to address those.

“The Proverbs of the New Testament”

If you’ve ever read Proverbs, I’m sure you’ve noticed the different topics addressed. Those topics seem to come up randomly, and it feels like the author switches between them at will.

That’s what James feels like. In chapter 1, verses 2-7, it seems the author is discussing trials and how God uses those in our lives to make us whole and lacking nothing. But then he gets to verse 8 and it feels like he switches to the rich and the poor.

In one sense, that’s what he’s doing. James, inspired by the Holy Spirit, obviously had concerns about how the wealthy treated the poor people. That’s undoubtedly true.

However, in another sense, James targets how we determine value, worth and dignity. James seems intent on “putting people in their place,” and for each person to “not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think.” This theme will play out throughout James’ letter.

Now, all of that is to help you understand that James is much easier to read and challenging to teach. We’re attacking this book virtually paragraph by paragraph, but it could be taught “idea by idea.”

What about working hard?

One of the significant points that James emphasizes is that our identity and value are not found in what we do or what we have. For Jewish people in James’ era, what they did and what they had defined them. They followed the commandments, possibly even were persecuted for their faith, and seemed to be generally good people. James wanted them to realize their identity was not found in any of those things.

Inevitably, the trouble with this is that we might wonder, “Do we never work hard?” “Is it wrong to strive for excellence?” or “Is it okay to be happy about an award I earned?” These are all great questions, and they all come from the same idea: if our lives are not defined by what we do or have (but by Christ), is it wrong to do anything or earn anything?

Well, the answer is no. That is not wrong. Where it goes wrong is when our work or what we’ve earned begins to define us. When something secondary becomes primary, it’s out of balance.

A personal example: I started the UVC baseball program in 1995. We weren’t very good. But I was worse. I coached like I played…angry and ridiculously competitive. I cared more about winning than I did the young men I coached. In 1996, we begin to win. We had a winning record and I was voted the League Coach of the Year. But I knew something was wrong. Throughout that offseason, the Lord convicted me that I needed to quit coaching because baseball and winning were my identity and idols. I put it off and put it off. Finally, the day the 1997 season started, I decided to resign. The timing of that decision is one of the biggest regrets of my life. The decision was right, but my disobedience caused me to hurt the young men on that team by the timing. I stepped away from the game I loved and thought I’d never return.

In 2001, UVC asked if I would start coaching again. After talking with Jill and others I respect, we all felt that my motivations differed vastly from those of previous years. I entered coaching baseball as a gift, not an idol. Winning was no longer my goal; glorifying God and helping young men became my goal. From that point forward, the Lord gave the game of baseball back to me and allowed me to use it as one of my best ministry tools. I’ve said through the years that the State Championships aren’t my trophies. The young men that I’ve coached are. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I marvel at God’s kindness to me throughout the transformation process.

Here’s what I learned: all we have from God is a gift. When our identity is found in Him, we will work hard. But the fruit of hard work is thanksgiving and praise to Him. Things get sticky when we work hard. God brings excellent fruit, and we begin to idolize the fruit and forget God.

So, here’s what I would say: believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ defines who you are and find your value and identity in Him. Then, work hard, strive for excellence, compete hard, and go after things with your whole heart. But when success or struggle comes, rejoice in God’s kindness to you. Worship Him for all things. Receive all good gifts as coming from the Father of Lights. That sounds like James!

Looking Ahead

This Sunday, we will study James 1:12-18, a different kind of trial—the trial of temptation. We will learn a lot about God’s character and a lot about our own.

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From the Cheap Seats

This longform article about the Iditarod is fascinating: https://tinyurl.com/2uuvkdb2
Losing four in a row is not a good way to stay number one. A&M baseball dropped to 14 this week. It’s early, but their offense needs to get going. Maybe this will take some pressure off.
It is unbelievable that Rodri may return by the end of the City season. He had ACL surgery in September and might return soon. The improvements in medical science and recovery are remarkable.
Let’s brag on one of our own: James Ellis is the long-time head basketball coach at Days Creek. Coach Ellis, once again, has his Wolves in the Final Eight in Baker City this week. They went on the road on Saturday and beat a team that beat them earlier in the year. James is doing with this team what he’s done with all his teams. He’s made them better. He’s a rare coach using his God-given gifts and his longevity and Days Creek has given him significant influence. James and Shari have been CLF members since our inception and are dear friends. We’re pulling for you Coach Ellis!!