There is a new movie out that I highly recommend. The movie, titled Amazing Grace, tells the life story of a great champion for Christ, William Wilberforce. Born in 1759 to a wealthy family, Wilberforce got away from his Christian roots during his college years at Cambridge. Influenced by others with low morals, he was caught up in a hedonistic lifestyle. In 1785 he experienced a spiritual encounter with Christ which he later described as a conversion experience. He resolved to commit his future life and work wholly to the service of God. He sought advice from John Newton, the author of the famed hymn Amazing Grace. Though now a well-known pastor, Newton had been a slave trader before his salvation experience.
Wilberforce, a member of Parliament since the age of 21, believed that God wanted him to use his influence to end slavery in the British Empire. In 1791, after almost five years of preparation, he introduced his first anti-slavery bill, aimed at ending the slave trade. The bill was overwhelmingly defeated, but Wilberforce was undeterred. He continued presenting bills each session of Parliament until both houses voted to ban the slave trade in 1807. He now turned his attention to passing a law that would free all the slaves in the empire. Along with his work in Parliament, he helped found several abolitionist and missions organizations. Now ill and aging, Wilberforce made his final speech before Parliament in 1823, pleading for support of a bill outlawing the practice of slavery. He retired from Parliament the next year but continued his efforts to pass anti-slavery legislation.
He died on the morning of July 29, 1833. William Wilberforce was buried in Westminster Abbey on 3 August, 1833. The funeral was attended by many members from both Houses of Parliament, as well as many members of the public. One month later, Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act that gave all slaves in the British Empire their freedom. It had taken more than 40 years for Wilberforce to see his dream fulfilled.
The life of William Wilberforce serves as a great example for believers today. He chose to live on principle, doing the right thing, even when it was unpopular. He persevered, ultimately triumphing over his adversaries and winning the day. He chose a cause that was bigger than himself, a cause worth living and dying for.
Galatians 6:9-10 reminds us, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” My friend in Christ, find a cause worth living and dying for, fight for it with all your might, persevere until the end.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Dungy and Smith, Doing It God's Way
Facing off in this year’s Super Bowl, coaches Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith reached the pinnacle of their chosen careers as NFL coaches. The exciting thing for me is that they were able to do so without compromising their Christian testimony. "I'm so happy that Lovie got [to the Super Bowl] because he does things the right way," said Dungy. In a story in the Miami Herald, Dungy said, "He's going to get there with a lot of class, no profanity, no intimidation, but just helping his guys play the best that they can.”
Both Dungy and Smith are well known in their prospective cities for their squeaky clean lifestyles. Neither man uses profanity, drinks or smokes. They rarely raise their voices, in meetings with players or on the sideline during games. They carry themselves with an air of grace and control. They are not shy about revealing their religious beliefs. Their values and lifestyle seem to run counter to what most of the peers are doing. Smith was recently quoted in a Chicago paper, "That's the way I try to do it, and I think it's great that we're able to show the world not only that African-American coaches can do it, but Christian coaches can do it in a way that, you know, we can still win."
For years, Dungy has preached to players that faith and family came before football. He chases his assistants away from the office at night, insisting they spend the time at home. He is also well known for his charitable work off the football field. He has always been about helping others, his strong sense of community evidenced by an extensive record of supporting worthy causes. He raises money to fund college scholarships for underprivileged children, frequently speaks to faith-based groups and has worked with prison ministries and foster-parent organizations, among others.
Both men see their coaching career as a ministry opportunity, first to the men they are working with and then to the community. They like to be seen as counters to the long-held culture of fear associated with football coaches. They see their roles as teachers, not generals, who lead by explanation, not intimidation. When Smith began working for Dungy during his time at Tampa Bay, he was reminded of his own father, Thurman Smith, who was the ultimate optimist, showering his children with praise. Dungy, after the Buccaneers lost their first five games in 1996, did the same with his assistants. A philosophy of positive reinforcement was established.
"I think young people are struggling with their identity," Dungy says. "What really makes them tick? What's important to them? We're getting a lot of conflicted messages. That's one thing that we, as a society, have to get across to our young guys: How are you going to be defined? Are you defined by being successful at work? By being an All-American or a Pro Bowler? Is that what makes us, or is it something different? Hopefully, we can get across to them that it's something different. It's what you are internally."
Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” For years I have tried to remind God’s people that when we go God’s way we get God’s best. If two men can maintain their Christian convictions and testimony in the midst of the rough and tumble world of the NFL, and be successful, you can do the same in your career field. Let’s do it God’s way and see what happens.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Both Dungy and Smith are well known in their prospective cities for their squeaky clean lifestyles. Neither man uses profanity, drinks or smokes. They rarely raise their voices, in meetings with players or on the sideline during games. They carry themselves with an air of grace and control. They are not shy about revealing their religious beliefs. Their values and lifestyle seem to run counter to what most of the peers are doing. Smith was recently quoted in a Chicago paper, "That's the way I try to do it, and I think it's great that we're able to show the world not only that African-American coaches can do it, but Christian coaches can do it in a way that, you know, we can still win."
For years, Dungy has preached to players that faith and family came before football. He chases his assistants away from the office at night, insisting they spend the time at home. He is also well known for his charitable work off the football field. He has always been about helping others, his strong sense of community evidenced by an extensive record of supporting worthy causes. He raises money to fund college scholarships for underprivileged children, frequently speaks to faith-based groups and has worked with prison ministries and foster-parent organizations, among others.
Both men see their coaching career as a ministry opportunity, first to the men they are working with and then to the community. They like to be seen as counters to the long-held culture of fear associated with football coaches. They see their roles as teachers, not generals, who lead by explanation, not intimidation. When Smith began working for Dungy during his time at Tampa Bay, he was reminded of his own father, Thurman Smith, who was the ultimate optimist, showering his children with praise. Dungy, after the Buccaneers lost their first five games in 1996, did the same with his assistants. A philosophy of positive reinforcement was established.
"I think young people are struggling with their identity," Dungy says. "What really makes them tick? What's important to them? We're getting a lot of conflicted messages. That's one thing that we, as a society, have to get across to our young guys: How are you going to be defined? Are you defined by being successful at work? By being an All-American or a Pro Bowler? Is that what makes us, or is it something different? Hopefully, we can get across to them that it's something different. It's what you are internally."
Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” For years I have tried to remind God’s people that when we go God’s way we get God’s best. If two men can maintain their Christian convictions and testimony in the midst of the rough and tumble world of the NFL, and be successful, you can do the same in your career field. Let’s do it God’s way and see what happens.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Two True Christian Champions
Super Bowl XLI is now in the record books. Indianapolis Colts’ coach Tony Dungy and Chicago Bears’ coach Lovie Smith have made history. Not only have they distinguished themselves as the first two African-American coaches to take teams to the Super Bowl, they have also distinguished themselves as committed Christians who have used their notoriety to bring greater fame to the name of Christ.
During the trophy ceremony following the game, Dungy told the crowd of thousands and the television audience of millions, "I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this, but again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."
Dungy and Smith, who have been close friends for years, were featured in a full-page ad in USA Today on Friday before the big game. In the ad, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, the two coaches said that while they may attain the height of their profession with a Super Bowl victory, their faith in Jesus Christ is still more important.
The Sunday before leaving for Miami, Dungy spent the day at his home church, Northside New Era Baptist Church, prepping for the big game. "We could not let this get by without your Christian family saying, 'God bless you. We're proud of you,'" said the Rev. Clarence C. Moore. "I believe he preached the greatest sermon without saying a word by walking in and giving God time before the biggest game of his life." added Moore. "That's who he is and he expects that of the people around him."
Other members of the Bears and Colts organizations are determined to use their worldwide platform to express the difference their faith in Christ makes in their lives, too.
"Coaches have sold cars and airlines for years [in commercials], so why shouldn’t they promote the King of kings and Lord of lords?" said Colts chaplain Ken Johnson, a close friend and prayer partner of Dungy. "We don’t have to compromise our views for the world and Tony is not going to compromise his before the world’s media this week."
Former NFL player and Bears chaplain Harry Swayne said he’s excited that Smith and the players he’s been working with for years can share what is most important during this media-crazed week leading up to Super Bowl XLI. "I’ve told them not to set trophies before God," Swayne said. "One of the things we’ve been talking about in our Bible studies is, ‘finish,’ and I’ve told our guys not to forget who brought you here. Don’t forget Christ."
God has given each of us a platform to proclaim Christ and bring Him greater fame. Christ told his followers, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Your platform may not be in front of 90 million people on the world stage, but still it is significant. My brother, do not waste the opportunities God is giving you to make a difference.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
During the trophy ceremony following the game, Dungy told the crowd of thousands and the television audience of millions, "I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this, but again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."
Dungy and Smith, who have been close friends for years, were featured in a full-page ad in USA Today on Friday before the big game. In the ad, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, the two coaches said that while they may attain the height of their profession with a Super Bowl victory, their faith in Jesus Christ is still more important.
The Sunday before leaving for Miami, Dungy spent the day at his home church, Northside New Era Baptist Church, prepping for the big game. "We could not let this get by without your Christian family saying, 'God bless you. We're proud of you,'" said the Rev. Clarence C. Moore. "I believe he preached the greatest sermon without saying a word by walking in and giving God time before the biggest game of his life." added Moore. "That's who he is and he expects that of the people around him."
Other members of the Bears and Colts organizations are determined to use their worldwide platform to express the difference their faith in Christ makes in their lives, too.
"Coaches have sold cars and airlines for years [in commercials], so why shouldn’t they promote the King of kings and Lord of lords?" said Colts chaplain Ken Johnson, a close friend and prayer partner of Dungy. "We don’t have to compromise our views for the world and Tony is not going to compromise his before the world’s media this week."
Former NFL player and Bears chaplain Harry Swayne said he’s excited that Smith and the players he’s been working with for years can share what is most important during this media-crazed week leading up to Super Bowl XLI. "I’ve told them not to set trophies before God," Swayne said. "One of the things we’ve been talking about in our Bible studies is, ‘finish,’ and I’ve told our guys not to forget who brought you here. Don’t forget Christ."
God has given each of us a platform to proclaim Christ and bring Him greater fame. Christ told his followers, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Your platform may not be in front of 90 million people on the world stage, but still it is significant. My brother, do not waste the opportunities God is giving you to make a difference.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
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