Senior Living - January 22

Trusting Christ When It Means Rejection

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. - Philippians 3:8

At his father’s funeral, American track and field star Carl Lewis placed his 100-meter gold medal from the 1984 Olympics in his father’s grave. “Don’t worry,” he told his surprised mother. “I’ll get another one.”

A year later, in the 100-meter final at the 1988 games, Lewis was competing against Canadian world record holder Ben Johnson. Halfway through the race, Johnson was still five feet in front. Lewis was convinced he could catch him. But at 80 meters, he was still five feet behind. “It’s over,” Lewis thought. As Johnson crossed the finish, he stared back at Lewis and thrust his right arm in the air, index finger extended.

Lewis was exasperated. He had noticed Johnson’s bulging muscles and yellow-tinged eyes, both indications of steroid use. “I didn’t have the medal, but I could still give to my father by acting with class and dignity,” Lewis said later. He shook Johnson’s hand and left the track.

Then came the announcement that Johnson had tested positive for anabolic steroids. He was stripped of his medal. The gold went to Lewis, a replacement for the medal he had given his father.

There are times that standing firm for what you believe will result in you losing. You might lose respect from those you want to please. You could lose a job. You may even lose friendships. But when the pressure is on, stand firm in your faith knowing that a better reward is on the way!

Prayer Challenge

Pray and ask God to help you do what’s right even when it means losing something. And thank Him that a much better reward is on the way!

Questions for Thought

As you think back on your life, are there times when being a believer in Christ has cost you something?

What would your life look like today if you had no fear of rejection and lived fully for Christ?

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