Winning Cures Everything

As the Chicago Blackhawks were about to advance to the Championship round we made our way through a packed house at Buffalo Wild Wings to the Sports Authority next door. A large crowd began to filter into the store to purchase their Blackhawk gear and by the look of it the prices of the items for sale were irrelevant at the moment. Funny how a winning team, no matter what the sport, can cure an ailing economy and bring joy to thousands.

Earlier on this fine Sunday our mens Bible study group discussed chapter 4 of the Book of James. Most of our discussion was spent on Humility Cures Worldliness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)

Much like that of a winning sports team lifting us up to a higher level emotionally, going to church should have the same effect on us but spiritually. The next time you leave church ask yourself the three R's:

1. Did I receive anything spiritually today?

2. Am I refreshed?

3. Am I revived?

I come from an evangelistic background so I've learned the importance of the three R's if you want to give away that which you've received. And besides, why wouldn't you want to give away something that brings life and joy to your soul and body.

During Sunday's game one of the Chicago players got hit in the face with a puck and lost seven teeth. He retreated to the locker room and came back out onto the ice to finish the game just a few minutes later. You can call him a hero or you can call him crazy, but I believe his response only lifted his teammates to a higher level to get that illustrious victory.

When we allow God to lift us up to a higher level it only encourages us the more to give away that which we have so that others may be victorious in life.