I have been paying attention to Deion Sanders’ coaching and public statements recently.  I started almost six months ago at the close of last year’s football season and have been impressed by what he has accomplished at Colorado State.  His mentality as a coach has been interesting, but his public statements about his faith have been even more so.  His testimony of his coming to Christ has been the subject of nationally broadcast interviews. It includes a good bit of confession about his personal life as an NFL and MLB star. 

I mention it here because it's inspirational and confirms some things I have thought and said in the past.  Deion talks about his life at the pinnacle of wealth, popularity, and lifestyle in terms of worldly standards, but as he puts it, there was this “ringing” from God in his head; he had no peace.  He knew he was missing something, and he knew what it was and was running away from it, but the ringing continued.  He finally “surrendered” to Christ and knew peace and now he is dedicated to Jesus and speaks unashamedly about it.

People who live in large houses, who have lots of money, who have cars and lots of hangers-on, can and often are lost, missing the most essential relationship in their lives, and can only know true peace in the same way as the rest of us by surrendering to Jesus. 

This brings on some questions (All these apply to me also.)

Have you surrendered to Jesus? 

Is your greatest desire to please Jesus or yourself?

Are you reluctant to share your faith?  Your trials?  Your shortcomings and how Christ has helped you overcome them?

Have you Truly Surrendered?

These are essential questions for us as individuals and for us as a congregation.  I hope you will take some time for self-examination this week.

Peace,

Burt