A few months ago, I was listening to ESPN Radio. Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy was the topic of conversation, because a National Football League player was in trouble and wanted his help. Coach Dungy has had a history of trying to help men who have messed up their lives. He has helped NFL players, coaches, prisoners, and ordinary men who are trying to be good husbands and fathers. The radio program host asked his co-host, "Why is it that every time players get themselves in trouble, they call on Tony Dungy to help?"
That's a good question.
I can think of three good reasons:
1. Tony Dungy cares about people. He is more than a philanthropist (as good as that would be); he cares enough to get involved with people on a personal level. He will help people through their hard times. He will stand by their side through their trials. When people face difficult times, they truly appreciate someone who will be with them.
2. Tony Dungy is a man of faith. He is committed to following Jesus Christ. When one realizes that circumstances are far beyond his control, he will want to seek out someone who leans on God. The man of faith becomes an encouraging and stabilizing presence in a time of crisis.
3. Tony Dungy is a man of wisdom. He embraces a godly perspective of life. He lives it, and he shares it with others. When a man is trying to get his life straightened out, he wants a wise mentor who can guide him through the process of applying biblical wisdom to his chaotic life.
In many ways, Coach Dungy exemplifies the qualities that should mark Christians and churches in general. He is not flashy. He does not draw attention to himself. He does not chase the latest fads. He simply lives a rock-solid life of love, faith, and wisdom that has a tremendous appeal to those who are at a point in their lives in which they can appreciate it.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1).
No comments:
Post a Comment