As a coach and teacher, the me, me, me mindset can become tiring. Former NFL running back Ricky Watters became infamous in Philadelphia following his post game comments, “For who, for what?” More concerned about his own health than stretching out to make a play, a generation of professional athletes have adopted this motto. Yet, Psalm 123 provides a different philosophy, looking beyond yourself.
While professional athletes do have a shorter shelf life than blue collared workers, it is the Lord who preserves one’s life, Psalm 123:2. Although free will does exist, the Lord is ultimately in control, ushering his angels to protect God’s people. On the other side of the spectrum, naturalism claims truth comes from within. The attractiveness of this worldview has led many into relying on science and knowledge.
The famous painting known as The School of Athens created by Raphael in the early 16th century articulates this internal battle. As Plato points toward heaven, affirming the principles of the Bible, Socrates seeks gnosis, a secret wisdom from within. Today, this debates continues, with public opinion slanting things in Socrates favor. However, I still believe in the God above, whom calls people to look up, not within!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 