“I want to know Christ…” –Phil. 3:10

Knowing someone, I mean, really knowing someone is awesome. Proverbs 18:24 states that, “a man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” True brother/sister friendships are rare. They are rare because they are risky. The hurdles jumped on the way to true friendship are high, but the prize at the end of the race is a life-long friendship.

In one of my favorite scenes in Avatar, Jake Sully turns to Neytiri and says, “I see you.” Neytiri responds back to him, “I see you too.” They were expressing the understanding and love that they had for each other as they knew each other. Then their tails joined together and they skipped off into the sunset. I never truly understood the tail thing.

I remember when I was in 5th grade I went to Camp Carter, a YMCA camp in Fort Worth. I was pretty shy but excited to go to camp with Joe Padget and my friends. I enjoyed the time but I remember feeling left out at the rifle range. The head counselor there made these special T-shirts for some of the guys in my cabin, but he didn’t make me one. I remember thinking, “I’m going to get to know this guy so he’ll make me a T-shirt.” I hung out at the rifle range as much as I could and talked to him at meals and stuff. I know, pretty pitiful just to get a Tshirt, but hey, they were cool. The last day of camp, guess what that counselor handed me? You guessed it, a T-shirt. I still have that shirt in my closet (just kidding). The point is, I wanted to know him (even if my motive was weak). When we want to know someone, we spend time with them.

In Philippians 3:10, Paul shares, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His suffering, becoming like Him in His death.” Paul wanted to know Christ. Sure, he’d wanted to experience power and fellowship, but he wanted to know Jesus.

How are you doing in your relationship with Christ? Is he an “acquaintance” these days or a true friend? Do you “see” Christ? Of course, He always sees you. But am I relaxed in the grace of a friendship with Him? It’s easy to feel “left out at the rifle range,” but when I humble myself and reach towards Christ, he always reaches back.

And He promises to bless us with something even better than a T-shirt. He promises to bless us with His grace and love.

“What a man thinks within himself, therefore he is” –Proverbs 23:7

Like most of America, I watched golf this weekend. The Master’s is such a fun event. The beauty of the Azaleas and the high level of golf make for a spectacular tournament.

This year was especially intriguing since the world’s #1 golfer, Tiger Woods, was making his return to golf after his confession of infidelity to his wife. Plenty of stones have been thrown his way and since Joey Staples is not without sin, I’m not joining the crowd. Tiger will be held accountable for his life before His Creator. So will we.

But I couldn’t help but notice the irony of the Tiger mess compared to the celebration of Phil Michelson, the Master’s champion. I know Phil is far from perfect and has made his own mistakes, but after the victory, the hugs and tears for his wife Amy and his kids moved me. I read he has been focused on his wife and mother and their battles with cancer. He has not had a great golf year, but it all came together on Sunday afternoon. He dedicated the win to his family.

For me, the Sunday celebration was not about golf. By the way, I’m a terrible golfer. I at least learned how to hit the ball straight so I could go out and play with my son, who is an excellent player. But I do appreciate the skill these men on the PGA tour possess. But Sunday, I was appreciating the man, not the golf.

We all work hard to be the best at what we do. But life isn’t really about being the best at what we do, but being the best at who we are. My dad had a plaque that hung in our hallway that read something like this, “it’s not what he has nor even what he does which directly expresses the worth of a man, but what he is.”

Sunday Phil was a man of integrity, loving his wife and dedicating his victory to his family. Truth is, I am my best when my day is dedicated to being who I am first. I have worth because my loving Father says I do. And because I have His “good housekeeping stamp of approval,” I am confidant in who I am. Too often I forget who I am. I am a Christ follower, I am a husband, I am a dad and I am a minister.

What are you? I know you have stuff and I know you’ve done a lot, but what are you? Take some time to refocus and remember what you are. Then go and do. Be the best parent you can be. Be the best spouse you can. Let that be what you are.

“So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (phileo) Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo) You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep “ -John 21:15-17

Earlier, on the night of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus said the disciples would forsake him in the trial he was about to suffer. Peter spoke up and arrogantly claimed that, though the other disciples might deny Jesus, he never would! The others might do it, but he would even die for him! We all think we’re just a bit more spiritual than everyone else!

Yet, before the cock would crow the next morning, Peter would deny Jesus 3 times to save his own life. Notice here that Jesus is calling him Peter (Simon), not Cephas (the rock). So frail a disciple he was at this point, he could only be called his name.

But Jesus knew it was time for Peter’s restoration. “Lovest thou better than these?” The “these” is probably the other disciples. This would have reminded Peter of what took place earlier. Tough talk from Jesus but necessary for Peter to move on. Tough love is also needed around our lives too. I know in our work at Doulos and Shelterwood, loving confrontation happens often.

After Peter’s shameful denial, he could only claim a mild love (phileo), though Jesus was asking if he had a higher “agape” love. And Jesus gave him a lowful and humble assignment: feed the sheep. Serve. Finally Jesus asked for the mild love.

Peter was never the same after this. Now, his pride had been broken and a humble Peter moved on to lead from a heart of humility. His “phileo” love would become “agape” selfless love. 3 denials. 3 questions. 3 assignments. Jesus was willing to be tough with Peter whom he loved. True love from Jesus demanded it. True love from us demands it also.

How are you doing in your discipleship roles, with your family, with the Lord? Are you willing to love and if that love means being tough, are you using “tough love?” Jesus’ grace was finally given to Peter. Peter would later be crucified as well.

It just might be exactly what the “Peters” in your life need! For us to certainly love them, in whatever way that God intends: soft and hard!