Central Truth

In order to properly love our brothers and sisters in the Lord we have to be willing to give up our own freedom.

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Reflections

As I mentioned in my biography I began my coaching career this past season as I helped coach for The Covenant School here in Dallas. I was the Assistant Coach for the Varsity basketball team and Head Coach for the Junior Varsity team. After one of our games, the girls team played, so some of the guys and I hung around to watch. During the game the referees made a terrible call and one of Covenant's other coaches let the referees know how he felt. He slammed his hand on his chair and yelled at the referee, "That's embarrassing!" Of course all the guys and I found that funny. Trying to be the cool, funny coach that I am, I joined the other coach and yelled out, "That's embarrassing!"

On my drive home I began to reflect on that moment. Did I do something wrong? Was yelling like that okay? What would the headmaster of the school think if he was there? Here was how I assessed the situation. Covenant hired me, not because of my coaching or playing experience, but because of my experience, ability, and desire to impact the lives of people (specifically young people). They brought me on staff to come in, love those guys, mentor them, and help raise them up as godly men who pursue the Lord.

So here was my conclusion to my assessment. The act of yelling at the referee wasn't wrong per se. But the act of putting my freedom to yell in front of my duty to love and mentor those boys . . . that was wrong.

After reflecting on this passage, I believe that is the heart of Paul's message. There are gray areas, in life and in Scripture, that we have the freedom to take part in. But if that freedom ever becomes more important than our love for our brothers and sisters in the Lord, then we have missed the point. Our love for Him and others should always come first.

Needless to say, I won't be yelling at referees any time soon!

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Discussion Questions

1. Are there gray areas in your life you should reflect on and do a heart check? If so, what are they?

2. Are there any "younger" brother or sisters in your life that you are mentoring? 

3. If so, how are you choosing to love them instead of choosing your freedom?

4. If you are not mentoring someone, I encourage you to seek out some younger brothers or sisters to raise up in love.

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