Saturday, August 4, 2001
Saturday, August 4, 2001
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise
man who built his house on rock.
John Madden, now a sportscaster for FOX, was for many years coach of the perennially
successful
Oakland Raiders football team. During those championship seasons, Oakland had an All-Pro
receiver by the name of Fred Bilentnikoff.
Madden once said about Bilentnikoff, "If he had played up to his capabilities he would never have
been in the NFL. He was slow, he wasn't very big, and he was even a little bit clumsy. I used to
scream at him from the sidelines, 'Don't fall down, Fred! Don't fall down!' All he could ever do
was catch passes and score touchdowns."
Fred Bilentnikoff was effective. He knew how the game was played, understood teamwork, and
had figured out moves that would take him where the defense wasn't. He was a star at his
position.
That's also the key to living smart. Make sure you do those things that really matter.
(Matthew 7:24
NRSV)
Jesus himself compared smart living to a man "building his house on a rock." He talked about
"counting the cost" before we begin to build. "Sit at the lowest place at the table," he said, "then
when your host comes he may say to you,`Friend go up higher'; then you will be honored in the
presence of all..." Time and time again he stressed that his teachings were not about "pie in the
sky
bye-and-bye" but about practical living here and now. It is not enough just to live, but to live
smart.
Dear God, teach me your ways that I may do the things that really matter. Amen.
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