One of the most recognizable faces from the Olympics in Beijing wasn’t even an athlete. Just as most of us could now pick Nastia Liukin or Usain Bolt out of a crowd, we can all spot Debbie Phelps.
I don’t have to tell you why. Debbie Phelps’ son can out swim Flipper. And, he has the gold medals to prove it.
But, Michael Phelps didn’t prepare alone. And, he certainly didn’t celebrate by himself. How do you suppose Debbie Phelps felt when her son won his eighth gold medal?
Never mind. No one could ever put that moment into words. Debbie Phelps couldn’t. In an interview, she said, “There’s not one single word that can express how I feel . . .”
Wouldn’t you love to applaud your child at such a moment? How would you feel if you saw your son touch the wall 1/100th of a second before his opponent?
Here’s the thing, mothers. It could happen for you.
The Bible says that Christ will reward those who finish well. Peter emphasizes (1 Peter 5:4) that pastors who serve faithfully will receive an eternal crown of glory that will never fade away. Theologian Thomas Schreiner summarizes that elders, synonymous with pastors in this passage, “. . . can be confident that they will receive the greatest reward conceivable when the eschaton arrives.”
The greatest reward conceivable.
Perhaps, God will call some of our young men to be pastors? Where are the mothers who may sense such a call on the lives of their sons? Which moms will be willing to sacrifice now with a view to glory in the end?
Mothers: It is an acceptable thing to dream that one day your son might win eight gold medals. But, why not dream bigger? Why not dream that one day your son might be called to be a pastor? Why not encourage him spiritually as much as Debbie Phelps encouraged her son about swimming.
Be assured, the awards ceremony at the end of time, will be to the Olympics as the sun is to a flickering candle. And, those mothers who have encouraged called sons to be faithful pastors, will know infinitely and eternally more joy than Debbie Phelps.
“ . . . shepherd the flock of God that is among you. . . And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (From 1 Peter 5:1-4).”
What a great post, Chris.
Chris,
I totally agree. I have already thought about it for my boys and have started praying that the Lord will use them for his glory. Noah already says he wants to be a police officer or a pastor. 🙂
I agree with this post, except that being a pastor isn’t necessarily the ultimate in usability. 🙂 I have been married to a faithful laymen for nearly 30 years. Being a faithful “full-time Christian” with a servant’s heart in whatever occupation one is called to can bring great glory to God and allow one to be used in the lives of people who would never come to church or would put up their guard around pastors.
Barbara. I absolutely agree. We tell our children often that we want them to go where God calls them: if that is being a pastor, so be it. But, if they are called to be farmers (my father’s occupation), then farm to the glory of God.
That’s why I was careful to say “called” pastor.
Having said that, I am concerned that maybe much of what young men are hearing about the pastorate is negative – – Whereas, it is an incredible thing to be called by God to be a pastor. There is no higher call and it is a special privilege.
Thanks for your comment.
I love your thoughts. “Why not dream bigger?” If we are truly laying our treasure up in heaven, this will be our goal for our children as well.
Hi, Nice post! This is the first time I’ve been here. I want to be an encourager in that which is good, but also that which is great: Christlikeness! Thanks for the reminder.
As Chris’ mom I feel very thankful and humbled whenever I hear him preach or read his blog.