Post-Game Praise

Post-Game Praise

“Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will lift you up.”  James

In Living Above The Level of Mediocrity, Chuck Swindoll says, “Our most vulnerable moment, as you may have heard before, is immediately after a great victory…Those who appreciate your stand will say, “Wow! What a great person you are! Wait a minute. Watch yourself at that vulnerable moment. Continually think of yourself as a mirror, reflecting the light of Jesus Christ to them, or as a servant, honoring the Master. Don’t let the crowd get their eyes on you and make an idol out of you. Keep giving God the glory.”

God desires that we give Him the glory.   In last night Super Bowl conclusion, we heard the polar perspectives. While boasting repels others, humility endears us.

The classic story of the Animal Super Bowl between the large animals and the small animals recounts the incredible clash.  The large animals, as you might imagine, were just cleaning up on the smaller animals (There was just no contest). They would kickoff to the rhino and he would receive the ball in the end zone and rumble down the field and an elephant receives the ball at the end zone.   Squirrels were hanging on to his legs.  Butterflies were pecking at his tusk and all kinds of stuff.  It was just miserable.

 At the end of the half, it was large animals 40…small animals 0.  To make matters worse, the smaller animals had lost the coin toss at the beginning of the game…so they had to kick off again to the large Animals. 

Will they kick off and an elephant receives the ball at the end zone.  He started to rumble downfield for a certain score (when “Bam”) he’s dropped dead in his tracks on the five-yard line. 

The first play from scrimmage, they hand off to the hippopotamus…and bam! He’s dropped dead in his tracks. 

The next play, they hand off to the lion (probably from Detroit) and bam! He’s nailed him. 

The third play, they hand off to the cheetah and boom! He’s dropped for a loss.   They figure they can go for it and the gorilla quarterback takes the snap and rolls into the end zone and is ready to throw, but he’s hit and the ball comes loose. 

There is a mad scramble for the fumble and they are all over the place.  The ref starts pulling animals off-large animals, small animals. On top of the ball was this little tiny centipede (touchdown…small animals).  They pick him off the ball.     They say, “Man was that you who hit the elephant on the kickoff?”  He goes, “Yeah, that was me.” They say, “Was that you who hit the hippopotamus and                                    Detriot Lion in the backfield?” He says, “Yeah, that was me too.” They said, “And the cheetah and the gorilla?” Yes, that was me too.” They said, “Man, where were you in the first half?”  He said, “Aw, shucks! I was getting my ankle’s taped.”  Humble indeed! 

Story after Biblical story recounts the “Great” ones who were quick to give God glory after a victory. Moses, Joshua, Gideon, and who can forget…David?  The Psalms were full of Post-Game Praise to the All-Time Undefeated God.  As you move though this week, take time to thank Him.   If done enough, it causes us and others to say, “Wow! What a great God!”

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)   Name a provision, an answer, or an area where God deserves praise.

2)   Tell someone what He has done in your life.

Consider reading the word today:

Copyright 2015 - Terry Risser