#ElevatedFriday, August 18th, 2017

Happy #ElevatedFriday! It has been a long and challenging week for many, so we all need a little reminder of what good people are doing everyday, oftentimes with little or no recognition. At the University of Minnesota, varsity football player Justin Juenemann has ridden the bench all four years of his term as the backup kicker. With a full plate of athletics and academics, most college athletes find it difficult to devote significant time to other items. However, Justin makes it a point to consistently devote his free time to volunteering at the Masonic Children’s hospital in Minneapolis. Because of Justin’s selflessness to the community, sacrifices for the team, and academic excellence, heading into Justin’s final season for the Gophers, Head Coach PJ Fleck decided to give Justin a full scholarship – something very seldom done for players who don’t see any time on the field. Of Justin, Coach Fleck said, “I’ve never seen anybody serve and give more than that guy, who is not a star player, who hasn’t played where his face is recognizable. He could easily just not do it and nobody would ever say anything, and all he does is continue to keep his oar in the water, [and] live that holistic life academically, athletically, socially, and spiritually.”

We know that good deeds alone do not get us into heaven, but doing good deeds makes our brief time on earth better. With so many people in the world, it is easy to sit back and believe others will do the good works for the rest of us. To extend Coach Fleck’s metaphor, we are all in this canoe together, so keep your oar in the water. Pray today for the strength to persist in good works even when no one is watching, there is no glory to be had, and you have grown weary. In Jesus, you have new life.

“ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 ESV

Original Article:

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