Work In Progress

I write this while watching some college football, as this weekend marks the start of another season.  Unusually enough there is a matchup of two of the titans of the game, Alabama versus Florida State, on this opening weekend.  Watching this game and listening to the buildup for the season on sports talk radio this week I heard a lot of “coachspeak”.

Coachspeak is unique language that goes a long way around to say nothing of value.  Among those phrases that are used, particularly early in the season is, “we are a work in progress.”  Basically the coaches are saying we aren’t sure what we have got this year, or if they are a bit more certain, then they are “poor mouthing” or “sandbagging” trying to lower expectations among the media and the fan base while not agitating their opponents.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to the sports world, but can be found in 0ther walks of life as well.  It may be known as diplomacy, salesmanship, or various other names.  All in all I fear that it has slipped into our faith as well.  While for Christians scripture pretty much lays out that we are a work in progress, it also provides that God’s grace is big enough to cover us when we chart our course along God’s paths.  The problem is when we become dependent (not sure if this is the right word) upon that grace to the point where it clouds our judgment.  Without a proper understanding of His grace we go on about our business with little or no concern for doing right things.  This is a slippery slope.

This week I challenge you to take a hard look at the following:

1. How does God’s grace impact your life?
2. Has the concept of God’s grace clouded your judgment?
3. Is there room for you to narrow your focus a bit to enjoy a closer walk with God?

Coachspeak can be disingenuous and problematic in the sports world.  Don’t let the perception of our faith be diminished by a wishy washy attitude.  Be bold and stand with honesty and integrity.

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you

Concerning our common salvation, I found it

Necessary to write to you exhorting you to

Contend earnestly for the faith which was

Once for all delivered to the saints.

Jude 1:3

As a work in progress continue to be sanctified daily; be a contender, not a pretender in all the seasons of your life.  Make this week GREAT!