God's Chain of Grace
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9 (KJV, emphasis mine)
As a former high school, collegiate, and professional football player as well as a high school coach I have very fond memories of both receiving incentives and giving incentives for players performing well in games. The word incentive is defined as something that incites or tends to incite to action or greater effort as a reward offered for increased productivity. Football coaches on all levels have utilized everything from stickers on Helmets, lunch pails, wrestling belts, big sticks etc. as incentives for their players. This year’s NCAA College football season has a team that has taken motivational tools or incentives to a new level via something called the “Turnover Chain.”
Manny Diaz is the Defensive Coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes. He was pursuing a prop to incentivize turnovers (fumbles or interceptions also known as take-ways) forced by his players — akin to what the University of Alabama does with its wrestling belt. Initially the birth of the “Turnover Chain” was simple; they envisioned a rope chain that players would get to wear after forcing a turnover. However, it has since morphed into something quite different altogether. Now, the “Turnover Chain” is fabulously fashionable and flashy! It includes a 6.5 inch wide U-shaped charm covered in 900 orange and green sapphire stones hanging from a 36-inch, 2.5-kilogram, 10-karat gold chain.
While the “Turnover Chain” is impressive, God has something far greater for His children. Are you aware that God gives us a chain that far exceeds any precious metal or stones on earth? It is awarded to those who are attached to an attitude of obedience and purpose not to abandon God’s word as their authority over all areas in their lives. This commitment to the Truth of Scripture is especially important in a post-Christian era that elevates a culture that endeavors to eradicate the superiority and authority of the Scriptures. Let’s be reminded about the severe consequences for a nation that despises, denigrates, disputes and deliberately departs from the word of God:
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13 (KJV, emphasis mine)
All the eternal essentials that encourage blessing on a nation like holiness, truth, love, mercy, faith, hope, goodness, purity, faithfulness, loyalty, integrity, character, justice, or selflessness (to name a few) are disintegrating. As a result, we see a digression to destruction to families, churches, schools and educational institutions, courthouses and government agencies due to a disposition that despises God’s Word.
When man dismisses and denies the divine dignity of human life purporting that man is merely compose of carbon, chemicals, electrical transmissions and organic materials it destroys value, significance and purpose of existence. We are indeed more than just composition of materials! If that were not the case why would God give His Chain of Grace and place it around the neck of what is identified as just a collection of dust?
Join me again next time as we continue our reflection on God’s Chain of Grace. In closing, I leave you this thought: We are Kings of Bling because of the King of Kings’ grace around our necks!
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR