Underground Behavior

Just about everyone in my town knows who Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel is. He’s a hometown boy that grew up locally and made it to the big leagues. A real hero.

So when Philadelphia won baseball’s World Series on October 29, it was fun for me to be nearby on vacation. Phillies fans were very excited over the big win!

As plans unfolded on television for the victory parade, I never thought of going to watch it. I was there to visit relatives and that took priority. Parades are nice but family comes first.

Now if my grandchildren were with me, I might have reconsidered. Good thing I was alone.

Bob, an old friend of mine, took his grandson to the parade. He did what city officials recommended and used public transportation. And things went well until after the parade.

As they descended from the street into the subway there was a very long line. While waiting, they noticed people coming down another stairway across the street. However, the other entrance put people closer to the front of the line. And that seemed a little unfair…

When folks in Bob’s line realized what was happening, the mood changed dramatically. Instead of the happiness of the parade, there was anger. Instead of cheers there was cursing. It was underground ugliness. Bob wanted to cover his grandson’s ears!

What changed? The Phillies were still World Champions weren’t they?

Yes, but even an emotional high like winning the World Series didn’t take away the anger in peoples’ hearts. Happiness doesn’t automatically bring peace or joy. You need more than that.

Now hold it for just a minute! Say what?

If your team wins the World Series, it can change your day but it doesn’t change your heart. You’re still who you were. If you were an angry grumpy person before, that’s who you still are.

Jesus Christ said that out of the heart the mouth speaks. So what you are inside affects your speech and behavior more that what happens on the outside.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,” said Jesus. “I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Later he added, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on what happens in your life. That’s why it’s called “happiness.”

Joy grows out of a hopeful, trusting, and peaceful confidence that everything is OK because God is in control. As a result, even when bad things happen, a Christian can have joy.

So what about Bob? He said it took an hour and a half to get on the subway train. Frustrating? Yes. Worth getting angry or losing one’s temper over? No.

A Christ follower, a child of God through faith in Christ, can behave the same way in a long underground subway line as he does above ground at a parade. Why? Because faith in Jesus Christ changes your heart. God replaces self-centered anger with God-centered peace.

The Bible confirms this when it says, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come!” If that’s not you, then check out your relationship with God.

Now don’t get me wrong. Christians aren’t perfect people. They’re still “under construction.” Like a lapel button I once saw said: “Please be patient with me because God isn’t finished yet!”

Speaking of God the Bible says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” And that’s a promise Christians count on.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!