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“Nothing will be
impossible for you!” Jesus in Matthew
17:20
I’m staring at a “The Edge” Academy flyer from Next Level
Professional Baseball that boldly states their mission. It reads: To develop
student athletes through academic and physical activity. It’s limited to 20 participants each month,
and daily snacks are provided. According
to the flyer, if you register for this program you will get “Edged”!
Many companies promote their products by advertising that
they will give you an edge. For example,
Gatorade commercials show athletes consuming their beverages and winning in
competition as a spokesperson asks the question: “Is it in you?” Nike
commercials display athletes performing comic book superhero feats and want you
to believe that if you buy their shoes you can do the same.
I think these companies know that people are looking for
an edge. Baseball players want a “hot”
bat with some pop. Men want a razor that
is going to give them the smoothest and closest shave possible. Soccer moms want a safe vehicle that gets
great gas mileage and has plenty of room. Let’s face it. We are all trying to get an edge!
As I reflect on growing up I realize I always had an edge
in life. In the pride of my youth, I
thought my edge on the basketball court was my athletic prowess. As an honor role student, I thought my edge
in the classroom was my superior intellect.
Every time I received an accolade or award I was convinced my edge was
my diligent work ethic. As a much more
humble older man, I know my edge wasn’t my athletic prowess, superior intellect
or diligent work ethic.
Yes, it’s true; I did have an edge in life. It wasn’t the shoes I wore, it wasn’t the
drink I drank, and it wasn’t the equipment I used to compete. My edge in life
is that I had a father who loved me, supported me and invested his life in me.
My father’s love, support and investment in my life
produced in me a sense of security that gave me a confidence that I could
accomplish anything. I received verbal
affirmation, physical affection and quality time from my father. His close presence taught me to believe that
nothing is impossible! My relationship
with my father gave me an edge.
One of the reasons Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth
was to reveal to us the will of His Heavenly Father. At His baptism in Matthew 3:17, Jesus heard the voice of His Heavenly Father. It said: “This is my Son, whom I love; with
him I am well pleased.” Jesus did
amazing feats of sacrifice and service for others because he was so secure in
his relationship with His Heavenly Father.
He is the one who taught that nothing is impossible for the one who
knows the Heavenly Father and believes.
Jesus had an edge and it was His relationship with His Heavenly Father!
I’m sure that the 20 participants who enroll in the Next
Level Professional Baseball academy will benefit tremendously from “The Edge”
program over the summer. They will learn
information and develop skill. No doubt
this can assist them as competitors on the baseball field. However, I believe that the real edge in life
is to know God the Father and experience a father’s love. I’m fortunate to say this is the story of my
life.
I got edged!
