A Little Ground

A group called the Worldwide Marriage Encounter has certified that Wilbur and Teresa Faiss of Las Vegas, married in April 1933, are America’s longest married couple.  As they celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary, the couple was asked the secret to a lasting union. 

What do you think it was?  Love?  Admiration?  Trust?  While all of these are essential in a relationship... they actually said: "It's very simple. It's give and take and compromise."  The Bible tells us in Romans 12:10 to “prefer one another in love.”  To put the other person first... out-serve them... and most of all, be willing to give a little ground so that both sides win.   Remember, relationships are not about being right... they’re about being honoring... and when we seek Godly unity over victory, we’re on track for a long and fulfilling time together.

Integrity

“People with integrity walk safely,
    but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.”  Proverbs 10:9

Reuben Gonzales was in the final match of a pro racquetball tournament. In the 4th and final game, at match point, Gonzales made a super kill shot into the front wall to win the game. The referee called it good. Two linesman affirmed that the shot was in. But Gonzales, after a moments hesitation, turned around, shook his opponents hand, and declared that his shot had hit the floor first. As a result, he lost the match and walked off the court. Everybody was stunned. They couldn't believe that a player with everything officially in his favor, with victory at hand, disqualified himself at match point and lost!
When asked why he did it, Reuben said, "It was the only thing that I could do to maintain my integrity. I could always win another match, but I could never regain my lost integrity."

One of the most precious things we possess is our reputation.  Our good name.   It takes a lifetime to build it up... but just one poor choice to ruin it.  Most of us have daily opportunities to do one or the other... We either show the world that we have genuine Christ-like character or compromise our values and prove otherwise.  

Think about your last five major decisions... were they God-honoring?  Aligned with scripture?  Honest?  

...or did they damage your name (and the name of Jesus)?

You can always make more money, play another game, seize another opportunity, or take another chance.   You can’t easily rebuild your reputation once you’ve damaged it.  Today you will be faced with choices... opportunities to shine or shame... which will you choose?   If you are a Christ-follower, remember that people are watching what you do when you have the opportunity to be dishonest.  Stand tall... focus on Christ... and take the high road.  God will bless you for your integrity and the world will learn from your example.  

A Long Life

A pencil (remember those...) with a hard lead will write about 30,000 words or draw a line 30 miles long before wearing out.  A 100 watt light bulb will burn about 750 hours before it is done for good.  That one dollar bill in your pocket?  It will circulate for about 18 months before it has to be destroyed.   It seems that nothing lasts forever... even us.  The average lifespan for a human being?  78.3 years.

Everything wears out.  But did you know that the Bible gives us several ways to lengthen our lives?  The first way is to fear God.  Psalm 34:11 and Proverbs 9:11 tell us that fearing the Lord leads to wisdom... and that wisdom helps us to live longer.  The second way?  Live obediently.  Deuteronomy 4:40 says that if we obey all of God’s commands... we will live a long life.  The last way to lengthen our life?  Honor our parents.  Exodus 20:12 gives us that insight.  Let’s not waste our time searching for the fountain of youth... everything we need is in God’s word... and when we follow it, He promises to give us more heartbeats to be with those we love.