Editorial: The Price of Freedom

My Favourite Athlete

It’s been said that “football consists of 22 men on the field desperately in need of a rest and 50,000 in the stands desperately in need of exercise.” (with apologies to the CFL). There’s probably truth in that. 

Same is likely true of the Olympics. All of us sitting back with our chips and beverage of choice watching people who for years have lived a life of strict training and diet to get where they are at. Isn’t there something a bit amusing about that?

Yet as much as I deeply admire Olympic athletes for what they do, I know a guy whose willingness to sacrifice and suffer for his prize vastly outshines them all. 

His name is Paul. You may know him as Saint Paul, but I kind of doubt he’d really care to be called that. When he talked about himself and what he did, he saw himself much like an athlete. He devoted himself to his ‘sport’ not for a decade or two, but for an entire lifetime. And what he went through exceeds anything an Olympian ever does.

You should read it; it’s crazy (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 or 2 Corinthians 6:4-10). He was given the ‘forty lashes minus one’ five times, beaten, stoned (and left for dead), shipwrecked three times, almost died numerous times, and on and on it went.

So why did Paul subject himself to such an outrageous life?

Well, for two reasons. Like any athlete, he did for the prize.

He says as much in 1 Corinthians 9:27. As an old man looking back over this career, he writes: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness ( the word ‘crown’ here is really the word, “wreath” like the Olympians of his day were rewarded in their games), which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day…”

The other reason Paul lived such a seemingly ‘fanatical’ life was he had discovered something so amazing (and so unknown) that he couldn’t help but devote himself to sharing it with ever speck of energy he had. 

That something was what he called the “gospel” or “good news.” Simply put, it was the message that God loved this world so much (that would include you and me) that he sent his only son to die for its sins, that whoever accepted that would receive salvation as a free gift. Salvation being new life now, and eternal life in heaven.

In Romans 1:14 he says he’s obligated, or indebted, to the world to share this ‘good news.’ God has made it know to him; he’s experienced it, so he’s got no choice but to share it with others, whatever the cost, and whatever the sacrifices needed.

I think there’s good stuff to learn from Paul. 

First, a life that dedicated to a higher cause challenges us all as to what we’re living for. Are we just living for a ‘good time’ or is there more to life than that? Is there some higher purpose and meaning? Something to really be committed to? To sacrifice and even suffer for? Maybe even a God to whom we’re accountable?

But even more than this, maybe considering Paul being sold out for the ‘good news’ about Christ can make us curious, interested, to check it out for ourselves. Maybe there’s more to it than we realize. Maybe it’s better than we think.

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian 

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

[…]

There are ups and downs in everyone’s life. We all become unhappy when we experience problems and set-backs. These unhappy feelings are usually temporary. For some people, though, sad feelings last a long time and are quite severe. “Depression” is a clinical term used by psychiatrists to describe a long period when a person feels very sad to the point of feeling worthless, hopeless and helpless.

Signs of Depression in Children and Teens

If your child becomes depressed, he/she is unlikely to talk about it. Your first warning signs will probably be changes in behaviour that may suggest a troubled and unhappy state of mind. A child who used to be active and involved may suddenly become quiet and withdrawn. A good student might start getting poor grades.

Changes in Feelings

Your child may show signs of being unhappy, worried, guilty, angry, fearful, helpless, hopeless, lonely or rejected.

Physical Changes

Your child may start to complain of headaches, or general aches and pains. He/she may have a lack of energy, sleeping or eating problems, or feel tired all the time.

Changes in Thinking

Your child may say things that indicate low self-esteem, self-dislike or self-blame. He/she may have difficulty concentrating or frequently experience negative thoughts. He/she might even think about suicide.

Changes in Behaviour

Your child might withdraw from others, cry easily or show less interest in sports, games or other fun activities that he/she normally likes. He/she might over-react and have sudden outbursts of anger or tears over fairly small incidents.

How to Help a Child who may be Depressed

Talk to your child. If you have noticed any of the signs discussed here, do your best to encourage your child to talk to you about how he/she is feeling and what is bothering him/her. Depression is very treatable. Start by checking with your family doctor to find out if there could be a physical cause for your child’s feelings of fatigue, aches and pains, and low moods. Many school boards have professional counsellors on staff. The school counsellor or your family doctor may refer you to a children’s mental health clinic. If there isn’t a clinic nearby, there may be a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in working with children.

This article provides general information only. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice. If you feel that you may need advice, please consult a qualified health care professional.  For further information please visit our web site at: www.cmha-east.on.ca or call 1-800-493-8271.

[…]

  There is a well-known story about Peter trying to join Jesus out on the water of the Sea of Galilee. (see Matthew 14:22-33).  Recently I noticed something in that story that I never saw […]