By Jesse LeMay

                Most of us likely had our mothers at some point tell us, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This principle is so worth applying because words can be very impactful. They can hurt, cause anger, stir up jealousy and envy, create self-doubt, and many other negative things. However, on the other side of the coin, words can also help one heal, bring happiness, build trust, instill confidence and feelings of encouragement, and help others in more ways than perhaps we can even truly understand. Words are a fascinating and valuable thing when you think about it. Parents wait in anticipation for their child’s first words. Even God Himself has chosen to communicate to us through words; verbal, written, and through Jesus, who interestingly enough is referred to as the “Word.”

How many words do you think you speak on an average day? Some research suggests that men may speak up to 7,000 words daily, with women speaking up to a whopping 20,000 (languagelog.edu). Out of however many thousands of words you might speak, how many of those would you say are positive and uplifting to others? American author Robert Collier once said, “Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise and encouragement – and we will make the goal.”

                As Christians, we should be even more aware of the things which come out of our mouth. We represent Christ and wear His name. God expects us to be different from the world in how we speak to others, especially those in the church. Paul told the Ephesians to, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification…” (4:29). Why would we ever want to say anything that paints our Lord in a bad light to non-believers? Furthermore, why would we speak in such a way as to discourage a fellow brother or sister in Christ? What if something we said caused someone to fall away from the faith? Our aim should be to build one another up and encourage others to grow in their faith. In so doing, we might just help them reach their goal. May we all choose our words wisely and use them for good!

The Beauty of Rest

By Jesse LeMay

                People need rest from time to time. After a long day of work, or school, or traveling, the body and the mind needs a good rest. When we get sick, or are in chronic pain, one of the doctor’s prescriptions is typically rest. Even though some vacations can end up being exhausting, the idea is that they are to be a time of rest and relaxation. We have all heard the old principle “a body in motion stays in motion, and a body at rest tends to stay at rest,” but sometimes taking a break from the rigors of every day life is needed. Rest can be a beautiful thing.

                There is an eye-opening illustration given to us by the writer of Hebrews in chapters 3 and 4 concerning rest. He describes the Israelites’ exodus out of Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. Also included, is the description of entering the Promised Land with “rest.” After such hardship from their time in slavery, as well as their arduous journey after being set free, such a rest would have been a wonderful thing. However, while all were given the promise of this rest, not all received it. We read that some did not enter God’s rest because they were “disobedient,” in addition to their “unbelief” (3:18-19). How sad they must have felt!

                Such an example is given to encourage the Christian readers to remain faithful and obedient to God. He says that we have had “good news preached to us,” and that a “promise remains of entering His rest” (4:1-2). This rest for us is the eternal Promised Land. What a beautiful rest that will be! No more pain, sickness, or suffering. Just a never-ending rest in the presence of our Lord and Savior. However, we cannot forget that there are contingencies concerning our promised rest. That is why the writer says for us to “be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience” (4:11). We must not make the same mistake as the Israelites did! May we all continue to trust in God, remaining faithful no matter what happens, and obey His commands. In so doing we will enter into our beautiful and eternal rest.  

Victory Driven Labor

By Jesse LeMay

                People everywhere strive for victory in many different forms. Victory in war, in sporting events, in business, in arguments, and the list goes on and on. Countless hours are spent in preparation and training for the purpose of achieving such victory. In many instances, the outcome is determined by the smallest of factors. Bill Russell, who won eleven NBA championships in thirteen seasons, once said, “Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory.” Being mentally tough and spending the necessary time it takes to ensure success are vital if one hopes to come out on the winning side.

                While most work to bring about victory, there is an instance where work is to be done because of victory. Without a doubt, the greatest battle ever fought and won was the victory Christ achieved over death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). That victorious achievement which Christ accomplished by being crucified and resurrected is what gives us our hope and promise of overcoming death also. Thankfully for us, we don’t have to fight that battle, for it has already been won. Our Lord won the fight for all people everywhere. He led the way and laid the foundation for us to share in that outcome. All we have to do is “concentrate” on the task at hand.

                Even though we don’t have to labor and train in order to defeat death, Christ wants us to work and lead the way in service because death has already been defeated. Concluding his thoughts on Christ’s victory, the Apostle Paul said, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain” (15:58). Since Christ already won the battle, we are to labor, and serve, and lead the way for others in His work, for His kingdom. As Christians, we are already on the winning team. Any effort we put forth will not be for a losing cause. So, the next time you are wondering why you should serve and be a leader, just remember that our Leader, Jesus Christ, wants all the members of His team to contribute.

How to Compete

By Jesse LeMay

                Every Olympic event has specific rules by which the athletes are required to adhere to while competing. There are all sorts of regulations, ranging from the type of equipment used, personal conduct, to the use of performance enhancing drugs. If a competitor violates one of those rules they can be disqualified from an event, stripped of any medals won, and even barred from future competition. Winning the gold and wearing the proverbial “crown” as champion of their sport is the goal of every Olympic athlete; however, they must compete according to the rules.

            As Christians, each one of us is also required to adhere to certain stipulations if we want that ultimate prize. Several times in Scripture the Apostle Paul relates Christianity with an athletic competition. Two of his statements coincide with the requirements and discipline of the Olympic athlete. He said, “if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5). Regardless of talent and performance, there is no prize rewarded without adhering to the guidelines. In his first letter to the church in Corinth, he said, “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (9:25).

            Those athletes Paul had in mind, and the Olympians of today competed and still do, in order to win their respective prize. Despite the joy and feeling of accomplishment that a gold medal or victory wreath can bring, they do not come close to that “imperishable” prize awarded to the Christian. Paul said that’s why he endured “all things,” meaning discipline and adherence to the rules, in order to “obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Tim. 2:10). Earthly awards are temporary, but God’s gift of eternal life will never fade. Not only did Paul “endure all things” for his own gain, but also “for the sake of those who are chosen.” Just like athletes, we as Christians need to have “self-discipline” with regard to the way we live our lives. In addition, we must strive not to violate the rules, which are the commandments of God. As a result, the prize that awaits us is greater than we can even imagine. Let us all compete in a worthy manner!

Freedom

By Jesse LeMay

            February 11^th marks twenty-eight years since Nelson Mandela was freed from prison in Cape Town, South Africa. The civil rights icon had spent nearly three decades behind bars after being sentenced to life in 1964 along with other African National Congress members. Most of his time was served in the horrendous Robben Island prison, which has been called South Africa’s Alcatraz. Freedom was granted early in 1990, when newly elected President F.W. de Klerk, who vowed to end apartheid, lifted the ban on the ANC, and ordered the release of its symbolic leader.

            After gaining his freedom, Mandela made his way to City Hall, where over 100,000 South Africans were gathered to hear him speak. Addressing the large crowd, many of whom had never heard Mandela speak before, his first words were: "Comrades and fellow South Africans, I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom, I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you the people…” He would go on to say that “We have waited too long for our freedom” (npr.org). Four tough years later Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first black president in their first free election. He would serve his country and countrymen as President and after by continuing to advocate for social freedom and peace between all races.

            In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul spoke about the freedom that the Christian has been given from sin (6:7, 18, 22). Instead of imprisonment, he says that before receiving this freedom, we are “slaves” of sin (6:6, 17). This freedom is given and obtained when we die to sin through baptism and obey the teaching of the gospel (6:4, 17). What are we to do with this freedom? Just as Mandela saw his liberation as an opportunity to serve and give back, so too should we. Paul urged those who had been set free to become “instruments of righteousness” (6:13). Mandela said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” May all of us who have been set free from sin serve willingly, and advocate to bring about the freedom of as many people as we can, establishing peace between them and God.

Super Sunday

By Jesse LeMay

            An estimated 110 million people will watch this year’s Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles. While that number has declined some over the last few years, it is still an enormous audience and will be the largest viewed television program of the year. Companies will pay $5 million for a thirty second advertisement. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend an estimated $15.5 billion on items related to the big game. Hype surrounding the game grows day by day for the two weeks leading up to the event. Many conversations are centered around who will win, what the score will be, etc. There is no way to deny the impact and the level of commitment people have towards this football game played on “Super Sunday.” For whatever reason, it is important to people and fans all over the world.

            What if there was the same kind of devotion showed to the event that happened on the “Super Sunday” nearly 2,000 years ago? The word “fan” comes from fanatic. As has been shown, men and women alike certainly have a fanatical attitude and dedication towards the Super Bowl. Think about the impact that could be made on the world if that same fanaticism, along with the amount of time and money spent, was put towards worshipping and serving our Lord who rose from the dead on that Sunday. People plan to host or attend a party for the big game weeks in advance. Is Sunday, the Lord’s day, the most important day of the week for us? Imagine what might happen if we talked to our friends and co-workers about Jesus the way we do about certain sporting events.

            There is nothing more important than praising, remembering, and worshipping our Savior with other dedicated followers. Are we “fans” of Jesus, who express our passion to others and show our dedication in our commitment to His day, and how we live our lives? Scripture tells us to be mindful of “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). As Christians, every first day of the week should be “Super Sunday.”  

Seventy-three Seconds

By Jesse LeMay

            Thirty-two years ago, on January 28, 1986, Christa McAuliffe was set to embark on a historical and incredible journey. She had won a competition that earned her the right to be part of the seven-member crew on NASA’s Challenger space shuttle. McAuliffe, who was a New Hampshire high school social studies teacher in her late thirties, was to be the first regular civilian and non-astronaut to be included among the few who have ventured into space. After months of training, anticipation, flight delays, and likely many anxious nights, McAuliffe and the rest of the Challenger crew were finally approaching the time of departure.

            From the launch site in Cape Canaveral, FL, with the countdown completed, at 11:38 a.m. EST, lift-off commenced. What began as an important mission into space and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young woman like McAuliffe, quickly turned into an unimaginable scene. Seventy-three seconds into the flight disaster struck. With friends, family, and space enthusiasts watching on the ground, and millions more around the U.S. tuning in on television, the Challenger space shuttle disintegrated in mid-air. To the horror of everyone involved there were no survivors, nor were there any remains. It was as if they just vanished. In just seventy-three seconds, McAuliffe and the rest of the crew went from thinking about adventure and making history, to having it all come to an abrupt end.

            What if you only had seventy-three seconds left on earth? Would you be satisfied with the things you have done in your life? Scripture says, “you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and vanishes away” (James 4:14). If you had just seventy-three seconds would you still worry about the problems of tomorrow? Might you desire to show those closest to you how much you love them? Most importantly, how would you feel about your service to the Lord, to His church, and to the lost? Is there a friend, family member, or neighbor you wish you would have shared the gospel with? How much different would we live our lives if we recognized that our time could be up in seventy-three short seconds?