Day 5 - Walking the Talk coming to Other(s)-centeredness

Please read Matthew 5:43-47 and Luke 23:34

I came to the USA on June 19, 1982. The next day, I saw West Germany defeat Chile 4-1 in the 1982 FIFA World Cup in the first round. From then on, I found myself cheering for the West Germany football team and was disappointed that it lost to Italy in the finals. Also, coming from India where I had a black and white TV, I enjoyed watching all the world cup matches on color TV in the US. Four years later in 1986, I was disappointed that West Germany lost the World Cup final to Argentina. However, when West Germany won the world cup in 1990, I did not watch a single world cup match. I was no longer a soccer (yes, I even began using the new name for the game) fan and I had become a football – American football, specifically an NFL fan. Since becoming a football fan, I rarely watch or follow soccer.

One of the things I learned about following any sport on American TV, you not only get to watch the game, but you also get involved in the human aspect of the game. In India, I watched games and I admired and cheered for winners. American TV taught me how to cheer for the underdog and appreciate the hard work, emotions, and humanity of the individual athlete. So previously my focus was on the winning play but now I appreciate the player and his play.

Coming the NFL, in 1997, I watched the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl, and during their Super Bowl run I heard about Eugene Robinson, the Packers’ free safety.  He later signed with the Atlanta Falcons and went with them to the Super Bowl. A great athlete, a great man, and a great Christian - I thought based on how he conducted himself on and off the field.  

However, I was surprised and disappointed when I heard that the night prior to the Super Bowl, undercover police arrested Robinson for soliciting a prostitute. The sad part was a few earlier hours that very day, Robinson was the recipient of the Bart Starr Award, given to the NFL player who “best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community.” After the arrest, Robinson returned the award. Another example of a believer, pastor or preacher talking the talk but not walking the walk. 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Paul tells us to be like Jesus (Ephesians 5:1-2). While trying to be like Jesus, what can we learn from Jesus about other(s)-centeredness? In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for them and later on the cross, He did love and pray (He walked the talk) for all of us sinners when He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  The perfect example of love in action for us followers of Jesus. 

Dear Jesus, equip my heart, soul, mind, and strength to love you and all whom you place in my life. Amen.