Men's Monday Message: No Condemnation

​Good morning mighty men of valor,

Yogi Berra is credited with saying, "when you come to the fork in the road take it."

At first hearing you nod in agreement and then abruptly pause as we ponder... often responding, "what?".

I find in my Christian walk I often come to a "fork in the road".

The way of the world vs. the way of Christ.

This past week I had the privilege to host senior Pastor Dominic of Next City Church at the weekly MDN men's bible study.

He taught on how "comparison leads to condemnation". 

A trap that many of us fall into... The road of this world. 

The "how am I doing compared to everyone else".

The "You're okay. I'm okay" rating system.

But this is a very slippery slope as it ultimately brings us to see our flaws, our limitations, our mistakes and a rating of our "flesh" man instead of seeing our "spirit" man..... the road of Christ.

I like how the Message translation offers 1 Cor 4:3-4, where the Apostle Paul says, "It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless...." He closes with, "The Master makes that judgment."

Isn't that true!

So here's a little chart to consider... (I know a lot of "C" words)

The road of Comparison leads to Condemnation,

But the road of Christ's Conviction creates Champions. 

Jesus calls us to greatness... to the "high call"(Phil 3:14).... to be overcomers.... and champions..... yes, victory in Jesus.

Romans 8:1 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus".

Rom 8:14 - "For those that are led by the Spirit of God, are children of God."... the road of the Spirit of God.

Other scriptures to consider...  

1 Cor 15: 54-57 

Mat 5:17

Ps 2-:5

Rev 12:10

So, when you come to the folk in the road.... take it and be victorious... a champion of and for Christ.

1 John 5:4-5 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Think about it!

​Strength and Honor, but Only for His Glory,

​MDN Coach Dennis Labriola

Author of Seventh-Inning Stretch: Reflection on the Game of Life

Seventh-Inning Stretch: Reflections on the Game of Life by Dennis Labriola, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

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