Touching gloves

Just read an article in the Philippine Inquirer website titled “Why are you touching gloves?  Is he your friend?http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110510-335601/Why-are-you-touching-gloves-Is-he-your-friend

Sports is competition.  You’re out to be number one.  And even if your opponent isn’t an “enemy”, or someone you hate, you go out there and fight like he is your worst enemy. 

That’s what Freddie Roach was frustrated about in Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Mosley.  They were always “touching gloves”.  Even though Manny was trying his best to knock out Mosley, it looked like the whole fight was staged.  Why?  Because of their touching gloves before and after the round would start. 

In sports you have to desire the top spot, the gold medal.  Being number one is the whole point.  If not, then you will always have lackluster performances.  Even if your best friend ends up as your opponent – in the arena the goal is always to be number one.  That’s why there’s no touching gloves until after the fight.  You see that even in basketball.  If a player falls to the ground because of a physical play, many do not help them up.  Why?  It’s competition.  It’s not time to be friendly.  Leave them on the ground.

But that’s sports.  You need fire in your heart, your animal instincts need to come out, and look at every opponent with a “lion heart”, seeking to devour and pulverize them.  That’s what makes sports exciting!

In life, though, it’s different.  Especially in the Christian life.  The reason why many people, Christians included, have many enemies, get into trouble and conflict, is because we look at life as a competition.  We hear the same things that coaches and trainers shout to their athletes – “go for gold”, “you’re number one”, “don’t let anyone beat you”.  And so we push our way through every situation in life, and push away everyone who gets in our way.

We shouldn’t look at life as a competition.  We are not out to be number one.  In fact, if there is one thing God’s word teaches us it’s that we’re number two.  Second to He who is the number One.  But not only that, but the Bible also reminds us that we are not to seek being first, but to always be LAST.

Mark 9:35  35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Mark 10:43-45  43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Yes, there will be conflicts, disagreements and painful experiences in life, even within the church.  This happens when our sinful human nature brings out it’s ugly head and pushes us to be number one, and brings out the competition.  But the Holy Spirit in us moves us to “touch gloves”, and reminds us that despite all our differences of opinion and character, God has given us the capacity to love, by allowing us to experience His love – a love that forgives, a love that overlooks sin – both our sin and the other party – and desires to bring out the Christ-likeness in us.

1 John 4:16-18  16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.
NIV

And so if you hear that voice in your head asking “why are you touching gloves? Is he your friend?”. Say, yes, he is.  And even if he isn’t, God’s love compels me to love him back, no matter what punches he may throw at me.

Colossians 3:12-16  12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Ready to “touch gloves”?  It’s all by grace.