November 18, 2025

Hi Friends,

He’s an honoured and famous, champion football player. But this season hasn’t gone well for his team and, for the first time in his career, they are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs. After the team’s most recent loss by a field goal, in a game where he had the chance to lead a game winning drive with less than two minutes to play, he met the media. He made no excuses. He blamed no one else. His confession: “I have to be better.”

In what area of life do you need to get better? Why? How does your being a disciple of Jesus affect your answer to that question?

In the late 18th century, William Wilberforce addressed these questions and said, “My religion taught me the duty of devoting all my faculties and powers as a debt of gratitude to my reconciled Father in Christ Jesus, as well as of reasonable service to my Creator, Preserver, and continual Benefactor.” He sought to measure his progress by what he termed, “improvement in love to God and man.” For him, ‘Love to man’ meant that he was to “employ … his talents for the benefit of his fellow creatures.” ‘Love to God’ meant that he was to cultivate his talents and realize his potential as an act of devotion. (Cited by Kevin Belmonte, William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity)

Our Rule of Life groups are formed with this purpose: “To go as far as we can, with as many as we can, into a life of being loved by God, loving God and loving others.” Those who participate intentionally adopt rhythms and practices that help them to walk with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what Jesus would do if he were them. It sounds a lot like Wilberforce sounded 240 years ago. This is not an attempt to recruit you for a Rule of Life group (though you are certainly welcome to check them out), but to remind you that your salvation comes with obligations to be who you were made to be and who you can only be with God’s help. These obligations affect every aspect of your life.

So, let me ask you again: where do you need to get better? Loving a spouse, controlling a temper, overcoming timidity, engaging with non-Christians, praying, being a better parent, worker, boss, spouse? Are you actually doing anything about this? Do you know where to begin? Do you need help? Are you asking for help — not just of God but of brothers and sisters in Christ? Don’t make (or tolerate) excuses. Don’t get better so that you can look better. Rather, work at getting better so that you can one day look Jesus in the eye and say that you did your best to be a good steward of this one life he has given to you.

Blessings!

Doug