Tip of My Iceberg

Each of them had had a full head of hair. Some may have described it as shaggy. All are soccer players who enjoyed the appearance of their individual locks of hair.

One of them had the bold idea to shave their hair for the summer. It’s been unbelievably hot and humid here, so there was great value in losing some of the locks that became so sweaty during practices and games. It also reduced the amount of time having to wash and comb it.

I was pleasantly surprised when they showed their new dos. The lack of lovely locks–which I fully appreciate in all of them–made them look older, more manly. Less boyish. I told them they were making a statement with their new appearance.

Three of them decided to take it a step further. They bleached their hair,.

Another transformation. A further statement. I told them they looked like they had just stepped out of the English Premier League, the most popular soccer league as well as the most watched sports league in the world.

That brought grins of appreciation.

What these young men did was achieve a substantial make-over in their appearance. Their choice.

We all go through times when we want to adjust the way we look or act to allow us to be more acceptable to people we admire or respect enough to want to be more like them. In school, there are always those kids who are popular that others want to emulate, In many offices there are those who are the standard bearer of success, the one everyone seeks to know their secret.

We choose to pattern our lives after heroes, athletes or actors whom we faithfully follow. Influencers make a living out of having sway over a target audience and how they buy or act or dress. Lionel Messi, the soccer legend, is now touting everything from Michelob Ultra to Lays Potato Chips. He’s made a statement in his sport large enough to impact people who don’t even enjoy soccer.

Jesus was One who was worthy of being emulated, but He never sought recognition for the sake of being seen. He never backed down on His claims to be God: “The Father and I are one.” John 10:30. His claim to be God was responded to with people wanting to stone Him to death for blasphemy.

What was the statement Jesus was making? “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30.

The statement Jesus made was one of hope for the weary and hurting. He hopes to help people find grace and forgiveness in a world that chooses to condemn, hate, and destroy.

My friends made a statement with their changed hair, hair which will grow back and return to the original color. Jesus made a statement that could make the difference in a person’s eternity.

What statement will you make with your life? One of short-lived fame or long-lasting life?

The best part–we get to choose.