Rise Up - Part II

RISE UP!  This is truly a calling from God.  And don’t be fooled, this isn’t some insignificant calling.  This is big time.  As we embrace the titles of husband/father to our families, leaders in the church, and coach/mentor to our players, RISING UP needs to carry a significant meaning to us.  The fact of the matter is that the greatest coach of all-time, Jesus Christ, knew the true definition of RISING UP.  He was sent to this earth, fully God and fully man, for one reason and one reason only.   His purpose: to take our punishment for our sin.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17.  The love Jesus had for us put him on the cross to take the punishment that we deserved.  Three days later, there was an empty tomb.  Jesus literally and physically fulfilled the calling of his Father to RISE UP!  And by doing so, we were made alive in Christ!

We are now called to live in the image of God, but how do we do that?  What do we need to focus on every day in order to RISE UP?  Ephesians 5:13-14 says, “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light.  Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”  Because Jesus shined his light on us, the ability to RISE UP was made possible.  

There are three aims that we need to focus on in order to RISE UP successfully.  

First, we commit to MAKE THE BEST USE OF OUR TIME (Ephesians 5:15-17).  Legendary coach, Jim Valvano once said, “There are 86,400 seconds in a day.  It’s up to you to decide what to do with them.”  Scripture commands us to not be fools, but instead “…understand what the will of the Lord is.”  God has called us to RISE UP, and we cannot accomplish that if we waste our lives by giving in to our flesh.  We are called to greatness and we need to spend our time doing things that will last for eternity. Instead of turning on the TV when you get home, talk to your wife and play with your kids.  In place of your free time on the internet, take that time to invest in the lives of your family or players.  “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” – Isaiah 60:1

Secondly, we commit to HAVE A CLEAR MIND, FILLED BY THE SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18-19).  Keep a clear head.  Do not give in to the pressure.  This verse specifically condemns drunkenness and the effects it has on our minds, but there are many more things that can mess with our clearness of mind.  Adversity will present itself, but how you respond to that adversity will determine what you’re made of.  Make prayer a daily routine and ask the Lord for guidance and direction with every decision you will have to make throughout the day.  You never know when you will have to draw up that last second play in crunch time.  Keep a clear head, give all your heart to Jesus, and the opportunity to RISE UP will be right there waiting for you.

Lastly, we commit to GIVE ALL THE GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST (Ephesians 5:20-21).  I firmly believe that God wants us to RISE UP in everything we do.  He is our biggest fan.  What is your response when someone is cheering for you?  You want to please them!  As God gives us multiple opportunities to RISE UP, all he wants from us is a thankful heart and a motivation to direct all the glory to him.  Remember that victorious display Jesus put on when he conquered death at the cross?  There was urgency for mankind’s need of a Savior.  Jesus gave us that saving grace on the cross.  Because of the life Christ has given us, we can RISE UP to anything we are called to do!  I am so thankful for all the blessings God has placed in my life and my only desire is to live for His glory!  When your only purpose is to give God the ultimate glory in everything you do, there is no other option than to answer the call, RISE UP!  

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

“Rise up and let your light shine.  A city on a hill cannot hide!”

 This is a follow up post to the original post "Rise Up"