World Cup: United States defeats Algeria 1-0

[featured_image]Today the US defeated Algeria in Group C of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It was the first time the US wins group since 1930.

The goal was scored in the 91st minute by Landon Donavon, USA’s all-time scoring leader. In an interview on ESPN after the game, Donavon stated, “We embody what Americans are about.”

What did the US Team embody?

Hard Work
Determination
Perseverance
Hope
Heroism

It was such a thrill as an American to see the team’s efforts rewarded in victory. I have to admit that my expectations were not high this morning. Yet I’m proud of our team. They didn’t give up. They pressed on. And they won.

They truly did embody what we as Americans are about.

As I reflected on Donavon’s comment, it made me wonder in what ways Christians embody what Jesus is about. Every follower of Jesus must embody the mission and message of Jesus. We must align our lives with His mission. Do you embody what Jesus and His disciples are about?

What are the behaviors and actions that demonstrate you are on mission with Jesus?
How are you engaging those in the culture around you with the gospel message?
Where are you serving the least, the lost and the last?

Embodying the gospel iswhat Missional Living is all about!

Dictionary.reference.com defines embody like this – “to express, personify, or exemplify in concrete form; to incarnate.”Jesus was God incarnate. He embodied all that God is and all that God does. He told His disciples, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Jesus is the visible personification of God while on earth. And now we, as His followers, are to visibly demonstrate and personify Jesus in the way we live on earth. That means we love like Jesus. We serve like Jesus. We cry like Jesus. We give like Jesus. We lead like Jesus. We embody Jesus. What did Jesus’ embody?