The Tiger Woods scandal is obviously an international saga. It’s on everyone’s lips – and has made for spicy water cooler talk over the last few weeks. Tiger is losing some of his large corporate sponsorship, Accenture being the first of what many feel won’t be the last.
How should Christians use the Tiger fiasco to point people to Jesus and the gospel?
1. Ask people why they care? Statistics tell us that infidelity is not uncommon, in fact more husbands cheat on their wives than don’t. Why is Tiger Woods unfaithfulness then cause for alarm? Is it because he’s a sports icon or is it because we really do believe there is a standard morality that each person should be subject to. And if there is a standard morality it demands there is Someone who established that law and holds humanity accountable to it.
2. Ask people why marital infidelity is wrong. Our culture preaches a subjective morality with the motto, “whatever feels good do it.” How then can we criticize Tiger for doing what feels good? Who decides that infidelity is wrong? You might say it’s wrong, but I feel differently and it really is all about how I feel. This can open up a discussion about common grace, and the fact that God has imprinted His standard upon our hearts. Which will hopefully give you an opportunity to lay out the gospel for them.
3. Tell people about God’s created goodness – He created marriage to be between one man and one woman. He intended marriage to be life long and monogamous. He instituted the covenant of marriage so that both the man and the woman could be fulfilled by one another. It’s only our rebellion toward Him and His created goodness that Has brought about the relational repercussions that so many (like Tiger and his family) have and are experiencing. Then tell them about Jesus and the gospel and His plan to restore His creation back to its intended created goodness.
4. Don’t elevate yourself above Tiger. Make it clear to your co-workers, friends, and family that it is only by God’s grace that you aren’t in the exact same boat (with far less publicity of course) and that it is only God’s grace that can restore such a terrible situation.
We produced a video for some of our outside supporters to give them a glimpse of what’s happening at Missio Dei. We have a personal introduction for each church that is supporting the work here, but we wanted to put the general portion up here for everyone else to view.
The question is presupposed…”what do you appreciate about Missio Dei?”
Matt Chandler, pastor of Village Church in Dallas, TX. talks candidly about his upcoming brain surgery. I encourage you to watch this and ask the Lord if there are areas of your life where you aren’t trusting Him.
Read a great article at Christianity Today about a pioneer in the faith, Lesslie Newbigin. We owe much of our modern missional thinking to this man and his innovative thinking.
’Tis the season for Dad to drop the holiday ball, stress out as the money is being spent for presents, and miss yet another providential opportunity to lovingly lead his family. So, this blog is intended to help dads not fall into the same old rut of holiday humdrum, sitting on the couch watching football and eating carbs, but rather intentionally plan out the upcoming holiday season. Our children grow quickly and if we miss the sacred moments God opens up for us to connect with and bless our families, everyone suffers and we set in motion generations of missed opportunity.
Dad needs…
a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what’s your plan?
to check the local guides for what’s going on to make fun holiday plans for the family. In Seattle it’s here.
to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is your calendar ready for December?
to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how’s your joy?
to give experiences and not just gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this holiday season?
to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say “no” to?
to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt and bless?
to schedule a big Christmas daddy date with his daughter. Dad, what’s your big plan for the fancy daddy date?
to schedule guy time with his son. Dad, what are you and your son going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun?
to help Mom get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready?
to ensure some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on the iPod, is the tree up, and can you smell cookies and cider in your house?
to snuggle up and watch some fun shows with the kids, especially the little ones. Dad, is the DVR set?
to take the family on a drive to see Christmas lights while listening to music and sipping cider. Dad, is it mapped out?
to help Mom get the kids’ rooms decorated. Dad, do the little kids get lights or a small tree in their room?
to read about Jesus and pray over his kids. Dad, how’s your pastoral work going with each of your kids?
to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?
