I lived 7 years in Eugene Oregon. Growing up, it was the longest period of time that I lived in one place. In 1984, in the middle of my Sophomore Year of High School, I moved to Tacoma Washington (with my parents and family, of course).
I took the move with as good of grace as I could. But middle-of-high-school moves are rough.
I was only in Tacoma for a couple years before heading off to college in (sunny) southern California.
So it probably won’t surprise you to know that I still have an emotional attachment to Oregon, and Eugene in particular. I consider those the “golden years” of my growing up. Never mind that I have probably only been back a handful of times since that fateful day in ’84 (almost 40 years ago).
Fast forward to last weekend. My wife (who grew up in the Seattle area, and when to college at the University of Washington) and I were up in Seattle to watch the UW Huskies and the UO Ducks battle it out on the gridiron (American Football).
The University of Oregon is located in Eugene Oregon. Do you see a potential conflict brewing?
Both teams were undefeated. Both teams ranked in the Top Ten. It was the college football matchup of the day.
Here’s where this story gets a little twisted. I was wearing Husky Purple. The crowd I was with were all UW alums and I was there mostly to support them in their fandom.
On the outside I was all Husky. On the inside, I was all Duck.
It made the game very difficult.
If you know the game, the Ducks lost – missing a field goal that would have sent the game to over time as time expired.
An exciting game by all accounts. But one that comes with a twist in my gut. But there I was wearing purple, trying to support my wife and not be a sourpuss about the outcome.
I tried valiantly. I think I mostly succeeded.
A fun story, yes. But one that has made me think about the words of Jesus:
“You cannot serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
Or the words of James:
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
It’s not good to be two-faced. The Bible says it very clearly. Now I will add my voice to the mix. My experience says that trying to play both sides doesn’t end well.
Know what you stand for, and stand with confidence and boldness. Don’t back away from what you know to be true. That way lies a lot of ugliness.
That’s my story, and my advice for the week. I hope it engages your life in a way that makes you think about something. Something big and meaningful. I’ve been thinking a lot about that myself.
Until next time!
Dennis
Every week I like to pair one of my books as a “go further” read for the topic of the email. I haven’t exactly written a book on “being two-faced” – but I think Getting to Know God’s Word is as much about becoming rock-solid as anything I’ve written.
There is no doubt about it, The Bible is God’s authoritative communication to us. And if there’s anything we need to be all about, it’s that. It’s how God reveals Himself to us and how we know Him. It’s about seeing ourselves through His eyes and knowing what pleases Him and what doesn’t. It’s about understanding our need of a savior and His abundant supply of a substitutionary death.
Getting to Know God’s Word is all about putting the pieces in place so you can engage with ALL of God’s Word. There are gems on every page, and the effective Christian is one who looks for and finds them.
The link goes to my website – where you can buy the e-book -or find your preferred digital store. But if you prefer paperbacks (including the matched workbook), you can get them on Amazon.
