THE PRICE OF FAME 1: WORTH ADMIRING 6:20-8:22 “The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!” -Proverbs 20:7
What is a legacy? How much say do you have in what your legacy is? Righteousness is living life that is marked by obedience to God above all other authorities. This proverb teaches us that a righteous man leaves a legacy of blessing for his children. That same principle can apply to anyone under our influence. When we live righteous lives that are marked by integrity, we bless those who are in our circle of influence. Who determines righteousness? How can we be sure we are living a righteous life? Ted noted that he became a professional wrestler because of the influence of his stepdad, Mike DiBiase. Ted described Mike as “a man worth admiring.” Do you think everyone wants to be admired? Why or why not? Is a righteous life worth admiring? Why or why not? Ted aspired to be just like his dad. As Mike influenced Ted, we can influence others. Who admires you? What are they learning from the way you live? Harley Race, Jim Ross, and Terry Funk all had very kind things to say about Mike DiBiase. The things others say about us speak to who we really are. What 3 words do you think those who know you best use to describe you? Elaborate on why you chose each one. We can overcomplicate what it takes to be admired. Ted stated that all he remembered was that Mike loved him, and he loved Mike in return. Mike didn’t have to open his heart to his step-son, but because he did he influenced Ted deeply. Whose life can you change just be showing them love? What can you do this week to practically demonstrate that love?
We often misconstrue the meaning of the word, “blessed” to be equivalent to having lots of things or getting the right break. In the Old Testament, “blessed” is more akin to “happy” or “fortunate.” In the above proverb, happiness and fortune are the result of being under the influence of a righteous man. If those under our influence are miserable, there is a good chance that our lives are not marked by God’s righteousness. How would you describe those under your direct influence? What are you doing to be a blessing to them this week? For Further Study: “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” -Psalm 32:1-2 Knowing that God has forgiven our sin is the first step to living both a life that is blessed by God and that is a blessing to others. God’s forgiveness is no light thing, as if He simply decides to overlook our sin. Truly experiencing God’s forgiveness leads to life change. Have your sins been forgiven by God? How has experiencing God’s forgiveness changed you? “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” -Psalm 1:1-2 Truly experiencing God’s forgiveness in Christ changes us. While we never will (nor should!) completely isolate ourselves from those who do not follow Christ, our closest associations and confidants should be with those who share our commitment to Christ. Further, knowing God’s forgiveness in Christ, we should desire to fill our minds with God’s truths so that we can know Him more intimately, follow Him more closely, and speak about Him more readily. Who are your closest friends? What do you closest friends suggest about you? Do you have a habit of regularly reading Scripture? How does it benefit you? If not, what is keeping your from regularly interacting with Scripture? “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” -Jeremiah 17:7-8
Trusting God throughout your life roots you deeply to His life-giving streams. When we make the decision to trust God no matter our circumstances, we make the decision to remain connected to Him despite the difficulty that we may face. That connection then provides us with strength, endurance, faith, and anything else we may need to not only endure difficult seasons, but to flourish in them. Who have you seen flourish in difficult times because of their faith in God and their commitment to remain rooted in His ways? How do we develop that kind of commitment in ourselves? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, selflessness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23 A life that is committed to maintaining a connection with God despite circumstances is a life lived under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The results of allowing our lives to be directed by the Holy Spirit are overwhelmingly positive. After listing the characteristics of a life directed by the Spirit, Paul concluded, “against such things there is no law.” Which of the characteristics above is the easiest for your to routinely demonstrate? Which is the most difficult? What steps can you take to allow yourself to be more directed by the Spirit in your weak area? “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” -1 Corinthians 1:1 Most men want to be respected and admired. But we often stop short of making a statement as bold as Paul did in the passage above. However, if we truly want to be respected and if we truly want to have an enduring impact on people we influence, striving to imitate Christ and pointing others to Him is the best way to go about it. Paul’s statement is certainly bold, but it is also a clear and compelling way forward. Does letting other people know up-front that you are trying to follow Christ give you pause? Why or why not? What can we do day-to-day to become imitators of Christ?