A few weeks back the mighty All Blacks met their nemesis, the Springboks, at Ellis Park, South Africa. The two captains, Ardie Savea and Siya Kolise, are great rivals on the field and great friends off the field. Their families meet for meals and on Sundays they go to church and worship together.
Ardie Savea stands amazingly tall, one of the greatest All Blacks and leaders the sport has ever known. He openly honours God when he plays, and gazes upwards when he crosses the try line. He is not ashamed to own his Lord. Ardie’s testimony to his faith is powerful. His lived faith is an integral part of who he is.
How do we feel about our faith when we are amongst other people? Are we willing to own and Jesus? Do we honour Jesus above the great things in our lives – our wealth and possessions, friendships, travel plans and career success?
One of the most famous and poignant stories in the Gospels is of the rich young ruler’s encounter with Jesus. He clearly thought he was ticking the boxes and leading a good life. He comes across as self-confident and he sure has got some attitude. He is proud of his social and religious achievements. Jesus reads him like a book and challenges him. Behind all the good commandments that the rich young man is keeping, there is a good God. Jesus searches his heart, asking “What are you doing about God?”
Jesus says to the rich young man, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come follow me.”
Some people think this implies we must sell all of our possessions and follow Jesus. This is not what Jesus means. In the rich young man’s situation, his money was getting in the way between him and God’s kingdom. He had to deal ruthlessly with the stumbling block of his wealth. And, sadly he couldn’t.
The rich young man could not give up materialism and selfishness to step fully into the loving, self-giving life of God. Thankfully, outstanding men like Ardie Savea have the courage to accept the absolute claim God makes on our lives. For Ardie, “Rugby is great, but God is greater”.
