Note: On Saturdays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
You see it sometimes on awards shows and at sports championships… the winner before thanking Mom and Dad and spouses says, “I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” And maybe you think it’s just words, just a throwaway line, gratuitous maybe even. Does Jesus really care who wins the World Series or the Best Director or Pulitzer prize? If we’re all loved equally, is such a public statement a bit arrogant, a bit presumptuous?
I’d rather think that in that moment of exhilaration is a moment of humility and a moment of gratitude. I’d like to think the person is thanking God not for winning right then, but for the gift of skill and talent, the gift of perseverance, the gift of help provided along the way. I’d like to think that at times that person didn’t feel like practicing or honing the craft and just wanted to go to bed or go out with friends, but did it anyway because it was his or her way of contributing everything available. I’d like to think that God is pleased with that honoring and proclaiming of the Almighty’s goodness.
And I’d like to think that as I experience the small victories in my own life, the times I hold my tongue, the times I listen, the times I act lovingly in the Lord’s name to those I might in my heart find unlovable, that I too am declaring and making God’s works known, even if I don’t shout it out to the world.
