God's Coaching #127

God's Coaching #127

The United States has developed some of the world’s best athletes in basketball, baseball, football, track, swimming, hockey, and a multitude of other sports. But in 2009, the United States officially became a world power of . . . facial hair. It was during this month that the United States dominated the World Beard and Moustache Championship in Anchorage, Alaska, winning championships in 12 of the 18 categories. Go, team USA!

So what does it take to be a facial hair champ? A beard styled to look like an Alaskan snowshoe took the top freestyle spot. An elaborate boat-shaped moustache stretched wider than its owner’s shoulders, but it was only good enough for second place. And a long (to the belly button), red (all-natural color) beard took third.

Believe it or not, there are more than 30 international beard and moustache clubs that compete around the world. The United States has more than 50 local chapters. If you’re a boy, you’d better start working on your beard now—or at least start planning crazy shapes for when you get some peach fuzz growing on your upper lip.

What’s the Score?

When it comes to facial hair, judging by appearance is the way to go. (Really, is there any other way?) But when it comes to faith and character, we have to dive below the surface. Things aren’t always as they seem.

When religious leaders criticized Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath, Jesus responded, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (John 7:24, NIV). So what is the correct way to judge? By looking at the heart of the matter instead of seeing only the outward appearance.

Jesus was telling the religious leaders that they were sticking to the rules so tightly that they couldn’t see the true meaning. The point of God’s laws and commands is to draw us closer to God. Jesus healed a man to help connect him with God. That should be our goal with other people, too. God wants us to see and love others for what’s inside their hearts, not for what they look like or what they wear on the outside.

On the Ball

Turn your mirrors around. Try going for a week, or even a day, without looking in the mirror. Use it as a reminder to stop judging yourself, others, and situations by mere appearances. Try using your energy instead to get to the heart of the matter.

Coach’s Comment

Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. John 7:24 (NIV)