THE BEATITUDES – A SELF-PORTRAIT OF JESUS

“When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. Then He began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit… those who mourn… those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… the merciful… the pure in heart… the peacemakers… those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake…’” (Excerpted from Matthew 5:1-10)

The Beatitudes offer us a self-portrait of Jesus. At first it might seem to be a most unappealing portrait -- who wants to be poor, mourning and persecuted? Who can be truly gentle, merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker, and always concerned about justice? Where is the realism here? Don't we have to survive in this world and use the ways of the world to do so? Jesus shows us the way to be in the world without being of it. When we model our lives on His, a new world will open up for us. 

-- Henri Nouwen

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SPIRITUALLY CONNECTED FATHERS

Spiritually connected fathers can play a significant role in their children's lives. One of the benefits of spirituality is learning to handle difficult situations by developing faith and hope in the midst of adversity. That does not mean that there is no suffering, no setbacks, and no disappointments. It means that despite our human shortcomings, and despite the challenges and frustrations of life, there is some good that can come out of difficult situations, sorrow and pain.

Fathers can teach their children about the faith, and their hope for the future. Fathers can be supportive role models, and can demonstrate healthy coping skills when faced with adversity, disappointment, and frustrations.

-- Dr. Michael Obsatz in “UMMen Magazine”, Winter 2000 

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“HE WAS A CHRISTIAN”

EDITOR’S NOTE: That was the way the first paragraph of the Wikipedia section for Bart Starr’s “Personal Life” ended. “He was a Christian.” Bart Starr passed away on May 26, 2019 at the age of 85. He was an NFL Hall of Fame quarterback for the Green Bay Packers winning three consecutive League Championships and the first two Super Bowls including MVP. And he was a Christian. Here’s what he said about his faith life in an article for Athletes in Action.

“Growing up in a strong Christian environment provided me with many valuable lessons about family, school, athletics, and, most of all, God. Like most kids, I idolized one sports figure or another. However, Jesus was the ultimate role model for me.

In my effort to succeed as a football player, I went through difficult times, but my experiences paled in comparison to what Jesus endured during His life: torture, humiliation, and death. Through it all, His attitude never wavered. His example inspired me to approach life’s trials in a similar fashion.

Jesus was able to sustain such a positive attitude because of His unfailing love for everyone around Him. It transformed the lives of all who came in contact with Him, even His persecutors. Jesus continues to have this same transformational effect on people today. Regardless of the successes I have experienced, if my life does not exhibit God’s love, it becomes less meaningful.”

-- Bart Starr

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  (Romans 12:2 NLT)

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ACCOUNTABILITY

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."  (Proverbs 27:17)

People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after.

-- Goldsmith


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THE ULTIMATE ROLE MODEL

Growing up in a strong Christian environment provided me with many valuable lessons about family, school, athletics, and, most of all, God. Like most kids, I idolized one sports figure or another. However, Jesus was the ultimate role model for me.

In my effort to succeed as a football player, I went through difficult times, but my experiences paled in comparison to what Jesus endured during His life: torture, humiliation, and death. Through it all, His attitude never wavered. His example inspired me to approach life’s trials in a similar fashion.

Jesus was able to sustain such a positive attitude because of his unfailing love for everyone around Him. It transformed the lives of all who came in contact with Him, even His persecutors. Jesus continues to have this same transformational effect on people today. Regardless of the successes I have experienced, if my life does not exhibit God’s love, it becomes less meaningful.

-- Bart Starr, NFL Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP with the Green Bay Packers (Super Bowls I and II)


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