Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Sports Chaplaincy Sunday message (Galatians 5:22-26)


Introduction



Last week, here, we looked at the idea of ‘freedom’, particularly ‘spiritual freedom’ … from the earlier verses in Galatians chapter 5. This is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the various churches in the region of Galatia during the first century of the Christian church. This particular chapter concludes with nine virtues that have become known collectively as the ‘fruit of the Spirit’.



Whereas it’s possible to exhibit these in a natural way, their potential is maximised through the presence of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is that part of God that continues to bring the life of Jesus to this world. Good fruit demonstrates a healthy tree – good character demonstrates a healthy life. This is a simple metaphor. A good quality tree producing good tasting fruit, has likely been well watered and maintained appropriately.



Fruit of the Spirit as Community Values



We could equally see these nine listed attributes as good community values. We might easily agree that communities are better places when these attitudes are present. Certainly churches are better when we experience these character traits, as opposed to far more negative alternatives. We, in the church, need to keep clearly focussed on these areas. When it comes to sporting clubs, a fierce competitiveness on the field, or on the court, might mean we put a high priority on playing aggressively (within the rules) to gain a victory over another team. Yet, when we think about the club itself internally … as a group of people engaging socially with one another, these (listed) values would definitely seem to be appropriate. They sort of speak for themselves!



They are obviously broadly beneficial in all our social relationships!! So, whether in church, club, or community, let’s think of our impact on others. These words give practical application to the idea of loving ones’ neighbour. For all these words are relational words – they describe how we interact with others. And, they are good reminders, because we can so easily break relationship, by preferring our own agenda to the detriment of others, or by being selfish. For example, on the negative side, as described in verse 26, there are relationship breakers like conceit or arrogance, or pushing others down so we look better. We can compete for our position in the team or at work, but only through our own capacities and talents, not through putting others down.



Sometimes we feel we need to push ourselves up … because others look just so darn good – that’s called “envy”. But, each of us is unique, born with particular talents, potential and value, destined to be a great team contributor. Yet, sometimes we are so busy looking around at what others are doing, we miss our own opportunities (or our own moment to shine). We shouldn’t need to compare ourselves with others. We shouldn’t want to be like them – rather we should strive to be the best version of ourselves. We should discover for ourselves what we are good at, and pursue that. You may just find it there … within yourselves … to be the best you can be, and that’s how you best help the team!



For Christians, they normally take their lead from Jesus, who showed himself to be the best team player of all, especially when it came to taking one for the team – Jesus was the epitome of self-sacrifice. Jesus is the only one worth comparing ourselves to. And when we fall short of his greatness, we can access his forgiveness. Christians also rely on the Holy Spirit to help them nurture and develop the qualities that are listed here, especially when certain life challenges around illness, trauma and loss, make things more difficult. For all of us, this list challenges how we do life, and how we live in our environment!



Nine Worthy Character Traits



Love – we were created in love, and for love; this is where we acknowledge that we are part of a broad and diverse human community, where we need to be prepared to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves, and where we are prepared to forgive people when they do wrong by us … for the sake of their future, and our future. 


Many of the ‘ideals’ to follow, flesh out what it means to live in love. For example,



Peace – this is to avoid hostility, this is to keep the lines of communication open with all our friends and those we associate with. Where relationships have already broken down, the bearer of peace will seek and aid reconciliation wherever possible. Good character is seen in the one who is the peace-maker … bringing harmony in the home and in the neighbourhood.



Patience – this is required when other people don’t learn, improve, perform or behave the way we think they should. Yet, we are all works in progress. We all have pressing issues in our life. We all have certain weaknesses. We have different personalities and backgrounds. Sometimes we are more patient with ourselves, than we are willing to be with others. Sometimes we see our own faults in others, and overstep in our judgment or criticism of them. We need to consider what others might be going through, and offer them due consideration – this is patience. It could be, utilising some empathy, that we can come alongside them, and give them a hand.



Kindness – this is stepping outside the normal, to do something special for somebody – going the extra mile to make someone’s day. This is the act of the ‘Good Samaritan’, who crosses the road to help the one that other people were ignoring.



Generosity – this is digging deeper, and giving away something of ourselves, that will mean a lot to someone else – it may even change their life. There is here an understanding of the neglect that some other people live in, or the tragedies of life that can so easily mean impoverishment. Generosity means a sharing of our lives and our various resources. Rather than being protective of what we have, we share it. This includes the networks and friendships that we have found helpful ourselves. Sometimes the most generous thing we can give … is a word of encouragement – this comes from our best place.



Faithfulness – this is about loyalty, reliability and honesty – being trustworthy and faithful to whoever we have committed ourselves to … in relationships, family, church, community, workplace and club; this is about being responsible and seeing through our commitments – if we say we’re going to do something, and the reason for doing so remains right, then we should fulfil this commitment. We no longer allow ourselves to be self-indulgent, but rather seek to consider the feelings of the others around us. In a society where people tend to decide, at any given moment, what suits them best … this idea of “faithfulness” may be the hardest one on the list; but one our society certainly needs to see more of!



Gentleness – this is NOT about being soft (far from it) – it is actually one of the greatest qualities of all … ‘controlled strength’ – to be able to express our strength of mind and heart in the most helpful of ways … in the course of all our dealings with others. This is about summoning all we have learnt in life’s journey, and expressing this to another in a way that they can learn and grow. We could call this ‘humility’. Gentleness overrides the critical spirit! We don’t hold power and control over anyone, but rather empower others … releasing them to be the best they can be. And we become teachable (and coachable) ourselves, having an ear open to that word of truth that might be hard to hear – for there is always something new we can learn and apply.



Self-control – this is to reject the notion of ‘anything goes’. Here we focus on doing those things that work well and work for good (for us and others), at the same time as avoiding those things that generally cause harm. This is the discipline of not letting anything awkward or dark or dangerous, that is happening inside of us, to affect badly anyone else. Exercising self-control means that we won’t abuse anyone else in any way! When anger builds within us, this can be a struggle; but we know well in this day and age, that rather than striking out, we need to exercise restraint, and we need to find someone to talk to [like a sports chaplain for instance, or a good pastor]. We often need to gain some new perspective, and we often need to gain some helpful tools through which to handle certain situations better.



And then, coming back to,



Joy – this is more than just occasional bouts of happiness – this is a completely positive attitude to life that is able to endure hardships, seeing the deeper meanings in life’s experiences, where there is a genuine pleasure in the success of others, and where we can openly celebrate with those who are celebrating. The possibility of joy will be destroyed … if we keep comparing what we have … with what others have. I know this every time I see that great looking Winnebago or motorhome driving past me! Joy is produced when we can be content with our lot, and can be pleased for others in what they have.



Conclusion



Life offers us the opportunity to rise to the best levels of human character. We can settle for less, which may unfortunately mean we have a tendency to hurt and hinder, more than help and encourage. But at the same time, we shouldn’t get down on ourselves too much, for we are all works in progress. Hopefully whatever team you’re in, that team can help you be the person you have the potential to be! And may God bless you all in your endeavours! Amen!

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