I have discovered that our lives, our actions, what we say and do comes down to one critical one defining moment. All that we do and say leads up to that moment.
Then all that we think, will ever say and do are defined by that critical moment, action, characteristic or quotation.
We are forever known for one defining moment, characteristic or quotation.
Let me give you a couple of examples.
Before Gone With the Wind, Clark Gable spent a decade in Hollywood building up the persona of the tough guy with the heart of gold rogue. By 1939, he had appeared in 53 motion pictures, and even won an Academy Award. Yet, to so many, when I say Clark Gable, they say Rhett Butler, and go on to say, Frankly, Scarlett, I dont give a ****
Sully Sullenberg had a long and distinguished 40-year career flying commercial aircraft, putting in over 20,000 hours. Do you recognize the name? He is the hero of Flight 1549 that saved so many people when he successfully ditched that airplane in the Hudson River in January 2009.
We are known for one defining moment, characteristic or quotation. I am not just talking about the famous. My dad will forever be remembered in our family for his work ethic. Thirty years working 12-hour days, six to seven days a week at the Ford factory.
The trouble is, people think that is all we are that one defining moment. Bill Wambsganss performed an unassisted triple play in the 1920 World Series. Forty years later he complained, Funny thing; I played in the Big Leagues for thirteen years ... and the only thing anybody seems to remember is that I once made an unassisted triple play in the World Series. Many dont even remember the team I was on, or the position I played or anything. Just Wambsganss unassisted triple play ... Youd think I was born the day before and died the day after.
For our Biblical people it is much the same: Adam and Eve took a bite of the apple; Abraham obeyed God and bound his beloved son Isaac; Sarah laughed when God promised her a child; Jacob wrestled with God; Ruth said, Where you go, I will go ... Your God will be my God; All I need say is King David and Bathsheba; Queen Esther was called for such a time as this; Mary and Martha for that time when Jesus came to dinner; and The Apostle Paul was struck down on the road to Damascus.
But the one who immediately comes to mind for me is Peter. He must have been older by the time Jesus came along, as he was co-partners in a fishing business with Zebedee. Then, when Jesus called, Peter followed.
For three years he watched Jesus heal and perform miracles, and listened to Jesus day after day. He was even commissioned and did some preaching and healing himself.
It all leads to that one moment in time; that critical moment.
Jesus asked, Who do people say that I am?
Peters faith statement defines him forever: You are the Christ.
Peter had the courage to declare Jesus Christ is Lord. As he showed at that moment and throughout the rest of the Gospels, Peter doesnt completely get what his faith statement means or where it will lead him. He keeps plugging along in ministry.
What do you believe to be your defining moment, characteristic or quotation? Does it reflect your life in Jesus Christ?
How have you gotten to that one defining moment? Then, how will you continue to live a life for Christ based on it?
Clark Gable made 27 more movies, taking on meatier and tougher roles.
Sully Sullenberg has taken his sudden fame and works for St. Jude Childrens Hospital.
Peter, the Apostle went from that defining moment and followed Jesus, almost to the cross. He failed Jesus. He repented of the failure. He promised to always tend Jesus flock. Peter received the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and preached the first sermon in church history.
Along with John, Peter performed the first great healing in the Risen Jesus name. He was jailed, tortured, and released to continue to live his faith despite death threats. He listened to the Lord and opened the church up to Gentiles, so those born of Jewish and Greek birth can love and serve the Lord together.
Peter took the Word to Antioch, and then to Rome. He wrote two beautiful Epistles.
Peter was put to death for the sake of the Gospel.
We may be forever known for one defining moment, characteristic or quotation. What are you going to do with it?
What is your critical moment? And through it how will you serve Jesus Christ?
The Rev. Steve Nofel is co-pastor of Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church.
