Whether it is toddlers in tiaras, or boot camp for peewee hockey players, parents are often accused of trying to live out their dreams vicariously through their children, some times with devastating results. There seems to be an increasing trend in youth sports of people being ejected from the game, and it’s not usually the players, or coaches, it’s the parents. Beyond the adults getting caught up in their own passions, by the time many teens have been involved with youth sports programs for their whole life they are bored with the experience and ready to pursue other interests. As Christians we face a similar challenge, to remain passionate about our faith, and open to letting Jesus live his life vicariously through us every day.
A Bible translator was working on bringing John’s Gospel to an indigenous group of people whose language lacked some of the sophistication associated with the ancient Aramaic and Greek of the New Testament. One particular passage the
translator was struggling with was John 3:30. “He must become greater; I must become less.”
During one particular conversation with a tribal leader, about tribal governance, the elder made the comment that “my sun must set, his sun must rise.” What a beautiful word picture to describe letting Christ live his life through you. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians’ writes, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Are we truly passionate about being like Jesus? Are we really willing to sacrifice our goals and ambitions, and let the character of Christ dominate the way we think, speak, and act towards others? Are we willing to say Jesus must increase; I must decrease in every area of my life?
Lord Jesus, come live your life
vicariously through me.
Amen
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