God's Coaching #89

God's Coaching #89

Matt Hughes proves you can’t judge a book by its cover. The five-foot-nine-inch, 170-pound mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter is a nine-time world welterweight (lightweight) champion in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the most popular MMA league in the country. MMA is a timed, officiated combat sport like boxing, in which competitors fight in a ring. But unlike boxing, MMA athletes use many forms of fighting, such as jujitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling. It’s not for the faint of heart or weak of bicep.

Fighters can win fights by decision, knockout, technical knockout, and submission. Matt has won fights in a variety of colorfully descriptive ways, including a “keylock,” “armbar,” “kimura,” and “slam.” Other victories sound a lot more ouchy for his unfortunate foes: the “side choke” and “arm triangle choke” sound like something you’d want to stay away from. Matt, who was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2010, has lost a handful of fights too. But when opponents saw Matt in the ring, they knew they’d be in for a long night.

What’s the Score?

Matt’s profession calls for him to attack others with fists and feet of fury. But he is quite different outside the ring. Matt, who accepted Jesus as his Savior in 2004, enjoys living peacefully and serving others. He often volunteers to help youth in his hometown of Hillsboro, Illinois, and since 2004, he has been involved with Rancho 3M, a Christian orphanage in Mexico.

We, too, are called to live peaceful lives and to love others. The Bible says we must avoid fighting and bitterness and “live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18, NIV). Why must Christians promote peace? Because we are representatives of Christ, who sacrificed himself on the cross so that we could achieve ultimate peace with a holy God through the forgiveness of our sins. So live peaceably with everyone . . . yes, even your brothers and sisters.

On the Ball

Do you have any lingering anger toward a family member or a friend? Go to that person and promote peace by asking for forgiveness.

Coach’s Comment

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)