A Personal Threshold

Scripture References: Judges 6:36-40; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3

Two kinds of athletes confront pain, according to a study in Athletic Training Magazine. One focuses single-mindedly on the goal and is impervious to pain during competition; the other focuses on personal image, refuses to project a false impression of personal talent, and cannot compete unless in optimum health. Two athletes can have the same injury yet will recover at different speeds, trainers say, perhaps because each person’s perception of pain is different. Trainers study the background of athletes to determine their approach when injury occurs. An athlete pampered as a child will not be as tough as one who was encouraged to confront pain in youth, including restrictions and refusals. Often the trainer’s own approach to the injury will impact the athlete. If the trainer tells him the shoulder looks better, the athlete quite possibly picks up the positive message. A negative attitude by the trainer generates a similar response in the athlete.

Christian leaders who are responsible for a host of potentially powerful spiritual athletes cannot afford to overlook the implications of these studies. They need to have, or acquire, the facility of appreciating those they lead—valuing their strengths, overlooking their disabilities. Understanding personalities is certainly essential to leading others. Some need a spur and others a bridle, some thrive on encouragement while others need to be bullied, and some accede to minimal while others demand maximum proof of need before serving.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.