Stopping to Read the Fine Print

Well, not the fine print exactly. The long poem. Let me back up...

In the Spring of 2007, Matt was blessed to have an amazing, godly man as his baseball coach. He is a friend, a fellow home school dad, and a fierce competitor.

After the season was over, each of the kids was given an 8x10 framed picture; well, sort of a picture. There are three smaller pictures; one of Matt and his coach, one of Matt chasing down a fly ball, and one of the team. Then, between and around the pictures is a long poem. A really long poem.

It's been sitting on his dresser along with his other baseball trophies and game balls and such for almost 18 months now. I admit, I never read the poem. It just seemed too wordy and once I read the words "Team Jesus Christ", I chalked it up to just another corny Christian poem. I've looked at the pictures many times, and even read a few lines, but never the whole thing.

Today, however, I did. It's amazing. You may have read it before; if you haven't take a look. It's a good reminder to me, also a fierce competitor, that there's absolutely nothing wrong with my competitive nature; I just need to maintain the proper perspective.

Thanks, Brad. I get it! Better late than never...

The Competitor's Creed

I am a Christian first and last.
I am created in the likeness of
God Almighty to bring Him glory.
I am a member of Team Jesus Christ.
I wear the colors of the cross.

I am a Competitor now and forever.
I am made to strive, to strain,
to stretch and to succeed
in the arena of competition.
I am a Christian Competitor
and as such, I face my challenger
with the face of Christ.

I do not trust in myself.
I do not boast in my abilities
or believe in my own strength.
I rely solely on the power of God.
I compete for the pleasure of
my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ
and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.

My attitude on and off
the field is above reproach -
my conduct beyond criticism.
Whether I am preparing,
practicing or playing;
I submit to God's authority
and those He has put over me.
I respect my coaches, officials,
teammates and competitors
out of respect for the Lord.

My body is the temple of Jesus Christ.
I protect it from within and without.
Nothing enters my body that
does not honor the Living God.
My sweat is an offering to my Master.
My soreness is a sacrifice to my Savior.

I give my all - all of the time.
I do not give up. I do not give in.
I do not give out. I am the Lord’s warrior -
a competitor by conviction
and a disciple of determination.
I am confident beyond reason
because my confidence lies in Christ.
The results of my efforts
must result in His glory.

LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN.
LET THE GLORY BE GOD'S.