Swap Blog

Today I know most people are focused on Katrina relief and current events, and we have discussed those issues in depth here as well. With that said, I wanted to look a bit wider issue, so I am going to attempt to share something God relieved to me recently in a semi unique way. So let us now see how it goes.

As any long time reader of Team Swap / Swap Blog knows cycling is the sport of choice around here. That means stories about drug use by American cyclists - i.e Lance Armstrong and Tyler Hamilton - in the news are stories we follow. We know all about both sides of the Armstrong controversy, and we have closely followed the Tyler Hamilton issue from the very beginning.

With that said there are some large differences between the Armstrong and the Hamilton cases, which we will not go into here, since one is accused of using EPO to blood dope and the other is accused of blood doping via transfusions. There are of course some similarities in the cases as well. One of the largest and most obvious similarities is how both claim they are innocent, and that they will prove it. That component, the desire to fight for their innocence and name, of the story is what I want to focus on today.

Lance Armstrong, his team, his lawyers, his sponsors and numerous others are appearing on shows, giving interviews, pursuing court cases, testing the tests, calling the charges false and are willing to go to any length possible to show that Armstrong was clean in all seven of his TDF wins. Tyler and Haven (his wife) Hamilton, their families, friends, parts of his former team, and scientist from around the world. Hamilton’s main work is being done via his lawyers actively fighting to show that the positive test was flawed and that Tyler was clean in is Olympic Gold win, as well as his stage win at the Vuelta. Their goal is to also protect the legacy of his TDF stage wins, his 4th overall finish in one TDF, and numerous other race successes over his career. In the end nothing is more valuable to both Armstrong and Hamilton then their personal credibility, public respect, and legacy in cycling, so they will do whatever it takes to protect those things, even if it means spending all their time and money to insure their good name.

I know you are wondering how this relates to God, well here goes. We are asking how personally committed Christians are to defending God, His ways, His teachings, His word, and His people and comparing that commitment to the commitment of the world to defend their way, their word, their reputation, their families, and their future. Would we, as Christians, go this far, willing to give ALL our money and time, to defend Christ, the word of God, God’s lessons or a brother / sister in the body. So many times we as Christians are all rah rah for God, the things of God, and the people of God when there are no problems, but as soon as possible conflict between God and the world arises we go quiet and disappear.

In times like this, when we are shrinking back, we may even go as far as to begin thinking or saying that maybe God is not always right and that He does not know what is correct of this or that circumstances. In other words we begin allowing personal or cultural views to weaken or destroy our relationship with Christ, our relationship with other believers, and our testimony in the world. In the same way, if there is a hint of possible wrongness in the life of a brother or sister we write them off as fallen and/or lost. We begin to question the life, lifestyle, and habits of other believers at the mere accusation of flaws, i.e. without in any solid evidence. We believe the nature of the charge is sufficient to deserve banishment or ostracism. We assume that God is wrong when His way is challenged, and we assume that our fellow believers are wrong when they are accused. We rarely allow the evidence or truth to determine our decision, we go on a gut feeling, a cultural wave, and/or a emotionally reaction. Our reactions become like those of the world not those of a person of faith, wisdom and knowledge.

God calls His people to be FULLY devoted to Him, His word, His ways, His work, and their fellow believers. Many times we are not willing to give all, but only part or only the part that is easy or the part that is safe to God. It is a sad thing that athletes, politicians, actors, and alike are more willing to give all they have to protect their views, their reputation, their ideas, and their beliefs then the people of God. This should be seen as a challenge for those that are called to be God’s people. We should be willing to give all that we have to both stand for God and protect God’s people.

This note is a short note for a reason. This is a simple topic and there is little to say after it is presented. Weather Tyler Hamilton or Lance Armstrong are guilty or not is really not a big deal long term. Athletes come and go and so do their records, accomplishments, and legacy. What I want to challenge you to do today is to be willing to go as far as it takes, even if it means all that you hold dear, to defend Christ and those that Christ brings to Himself. Of course I am not talking about defending someone that is wrong when they are wrong, what I am talking about is being willing to defend the truth of Christ, His ways, His words, His lessons and willing to protect the members of the body of Christ against false or unproven charges. Our relationship with Christ and our bonds between other believers should never be weak enough to be fractured or broken by the mere accusations of a lost and dying world be it on a organizational or a personal level. God will never leave nor forsake us, and we should be willing to do the same for both Him and those that are our fellow believers.

I hope this note finds you in a strong place, one where you are feeling ready to take on the world and all that come against you, God and the body. We must stand strong and be strong holds in a lost world. Have a great day, rejoice in Him and His strength today and be a stronghold and defender for God, His ways, His words, His works, and His people.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 1st, 2005 at 2:01 pm and is filed under Faith, Family, Personal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.