S O L I T U D E

Mark 1:35-37

What do you do to quiet your mind and to keep some perspective about your life?  Where do you go to relax, reflect and to meditate?  How do you stay true to who you are when everybody is praising you?  We’ll read today about how Jesus did all of these.

Mark writes about Jesus’ life of solitude and focus at chapter 1 and verses 35 through 37, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’”

Jesus had a unique quality in his life that most of us miss.  He valued solitude over popularity.  He maintained clarity of thought about who He was, about His values and about His life goals while in quiet reflection, free from the flattering crowds.  He knew that it’s very easy to pander to a crowd of people who tell you that you’re great.  He was more concerned with pleasing His Father in Heaven.

We can each carry a similar commitment related to our team.  Let’s be more committed and responsive to our teammates and coaching staff than we are to the fickle opinions of fans and sportswriters.  Let’s remember to value those who know us privately and their commitments to us.

Let’s value them more than those who only know us from what they see on game day and in public.  Compete powerfully today and honor those who are most committed to you.

Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 21:12-22
Acts 28:17-31
Psalms 47
Leviticus 26-27