When I was developing content for my first role as a High School Football and Character Coach, I sketched out 50 separate lessons around the “Be A …, Not A …” concept. I began sharing them in groups of 4-6 concepts per blog and this is my fifth part. We will see over time how many parts it will take me to cover all of them on my list. To see Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4, click on the hyperlinks.
Be ‘along the way’, not ‘on the way.’
This may be semantics but there is a difference to be along the way versus on the way. ‘On the way’ is destination focused, we are ‘in route. ‘Along the way’ is journey focused, we are enjoying the scenery and the company we keep. On the way is typically intentional and planned; along the way usually indicates something happening unexpectedly. We all have goals and destinations we are on the way to achieving; however, it is what we do along the way which will matter more. It is impractical to be on the way to love; yet it is important to love along the way.
The two disciples were on the way to Emmaus, that was their destination. Along the way they thoughtfully debated and reflected
on the events of the past few days. It was along the way Jesus appeared (Luke 24:17). Heaven is the destination and Jesus is The Way. To be ‘on the way’ is a key phrase for understanding discipleship. To be ‘along the way’ is moving with the fullness of truth and love.
Be in harmony, not in unison.
Harmony is not the same thing as unison. Harmony is the relationship between two or more distinct components existing together without destroying one another. Unison is the simultaneous action of like or identical parts. Harmony is agreement or accord while unison is the state of being together as one. Harmony enriches and complements. Harmony is also not a complete absence of conflict and tension. For example, there is harmony, not unison, between science and biblical faith, as we present an evolutionary understanding of God’s creation.
Harmony is at the heart of love. “Live in harmony with one another” means to enrich and complement each other. Together we are more than any of us would be on our own. There is a beauty that comes from taking what is distinct and different to create a unique oneness. God is one in nature, one in purpose, and one in love. There is beauty, glory, peace, joy, blessing, and harmony that we see in God and that flows from God.
Be a buffalo, not a cow.
I have read this metaphor a couple of times over the years. Buffalo and cows detect on-coming storms instinctively. How they react to these storms is totally different. Cows will move away from the storm. As the storm catches up and passes by, the cows spend more time dealing with the storm. Meanwhile, the buffalo runs towards the storm. By running straight through it, they spend less time in it. If we see a storm approaching, we need to meet the challenge head on. Immerse ourselves in whatever that storm may be, when we try to avoid it, we only end up more involved. We need to be a buffalo.
The Bible tells us to tackle confrontation head-on, In Ephesians 4:26, if we are angry at someone, we’ve got until sundown to handle it. In Matthew 18:15, if we have something against a brother, we must seek him out to confront the issue. St. Paul faced tremendous storms throughout his life, yet he never lost heart and his perspective that they were “light afflictions” (2 Cor. 4:17). He shed light on how to view storms. Paul was a buffalo.
Be a radish not a peach.
While I strongly prefer eating a peach as opposed to a radish, the root vegetable makes a better life example than a peach.
Radishes detoxify and improve the body. They grow as companion plants and suffer from fewer pests and diseases. They act as a cover crop in winter, providing soil enhancements for the summer harvest crops. Radishes require a longer developmental process, and the taste often must be acquired. There is loyalty and obligation in being a radish. Being a radish helps those around it.
Peaches can be both sweet and sour; soft and hard; smooth and fuzzy. They must be eaten in a timely manner before they spoil; and the flesh is 89% water. Peach trees are prone to disease and the fruit is susceptible to brown rot. While the peach is appealing, it is equally messy. It drips down our shirt and sticks to our hands. If we dare to eat a peach, we are willing to accept the outcome.
The virtues of the Holy Spirit are the fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. However, the root that produces these fruits is our relationship with God. We can’t mistake fruit as the root. “See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.” (Heb. 12:15). Being good is fruit-like, being holy is root-like.
Be His mail carrier, not His editor.
We must realize that we are meant to be God’s mail carrier, we are not meant to be His editor. Deliver His Word as best as we can without editing the message or changing the tone so that it sounds better or meets a secular need. He’s counting on us to deliver “the essence of the Gospel”, as first class and personal, even though some may receive it as junk mail, they received it.
When presenting these “Be A …, Not A …” lessons, I advise the players that just like running and lifting, we can condition ourselves around mental, social, and spiritual development. The more we practice the better we become. Also, the less we practice, the worse we become. However, this development does not just happen in a gym or controlled environment. It occurs in real life, every day.
The world needs our gifts. The world needs us to be buffaloes and radishes. To be in harmony as we travel along the way. The world needs more mail carriers.
