What if the Man in the Arena is Wrong?

One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from the late former President Theodore Roosevelt. It is from perhaps his most famous speech, Citizenship in a Republic.


“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face in marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly…”

Everyone imagines themselves as the man in the arena. But, if I am honest I often find that I am the critic. It is a great quote, but what if the critic is right? What if all the labor the ‘man in the arena’ is doing is vain? Does the critic have the right to express that opinion?

Certainly we have a right, or should I say an obligation to express truth. The trouble we find ourselves getting into is how that truth is expressed. Does it profit and build up or does it provoke and tear down? So the question that really needs to be asked is: “How should I express truth?” For the sake of clarification, let me give a couple of definitions, out of many, for criticism:

Critic – 1) one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique

Criticize - to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly

Notice the balance in criticism. It measures the merits and demerits of and then judges accordingly. As a Christian, our standard of measure is the Bible, rather than our opinion. This is the first lesson in expressing truth. Express truth from its source. Now, what is the aim of criticism? Paul gives at least three goals of criticism (Ephesians 4:29).

First, criticism should be expressed in a way that demonstrates the good fruit of a believer. No rotten words should come from us. Instead what we say should come from a heart that is purified by Christ. Second, the criticism should build up rather than tear down. Third, it should give grace or joy to those who hear it. This last one may be delayed. Joy may not come for a while. Just as discipline does not seem to be good when we are going through it, we are grateful for it in the end.

Do you find yourself critical?  Seek wisdom from God and apply it to your responses.  James gives is the character of the wisdom of God along with the result of the one who applies it.

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (3:17-18). 

If we apply these characteristics to our criticisms, I am certain both we and those we seek to build up will find much more joy in our living.

Being Light to All

Spurgeon's morning devotional today (see below) is a great reminder of our influence to the world and to each other as believers.  Being light to a lost world is a great responsibility.  We are to live our lives representing Christ as ambassadors.  However, we should never forget to declare with our mouth the gospel by which we live.  Should people see the life that is Christ in us?  Certainly! They should see it consistently. But without an explanation of the hope we have they will only have a model of behavior rather than a model of Christ.  Instead of  "Preach the gospel, and when necessary use words," perhaps we should say, "Preach the gospel, it's always necessary to use words."

Morning and Evening

by Charles Spurgeon

"In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."


Philippians 2:15

We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour, and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God's Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness. Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected. Christian men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.

Gracious Spirit dwell with me;

I myself would gracious be,

And with words that help and heal

Would thy life in mine reveal,

And with actions bold and meek

Would for Christ my Saviour speak.

Thanksgiving 2009

We went to my brother's house in Lindale, Texas to celebrate Thanksgiving this year.  As usual, we had a fantastic time with our family and friends.  Three years ago, the boys and I began a new tradition called the Turkey Bowl.  Following our meal we play a game of touch football.  This year we were able to have a few more players and a little more competition.  For some reason I always have to defend and be defended by my nephew, Cody.  Remember, I am 43 years old and my days of blazing speed and quick acceleration are far in my past.  Cody is 21, in shape, a two time all state safety and carries the nickname 'swole' he picked up in high school because of his muscle tone.  To say the least, I was skunked all day.  Regardless of my wounded pride, we had a tremendous day of fun including a game I could win, "Chubby Bunny."  The game involves stuffing a marshmellow in your mouth and then saying, "Chubby Bunny."  Each round you add a marshmellow.  As you can imagine, the person with the biggest mouth wins.  Steven and I were the last two standing, but I prevailed. With Thanksgiving behind us we now begin preparations for Christmas.  I hope everyone had a Blessed Thanksgiving.

God's Love

God’s love is everlasting. One cannot find its beginning. Even in eternity, we will not discover its end. It is as eternal as the One it proceeds from. His love is boundless, measureless, endless, limitless, infinite, and inexhaustible.

God’s love is inexpressible. No thought can reach it, no tongue can declare it, no pen can express it, no choir can sing its melody, but the blood of Jesus demonstrates it to us.

God’s love is uncontainable and irrepressible. Sin cannot hem it in. Instead, it increases its flow to overflowing. The devil can’t build a stronghold that God’s love cannot dismantle and overwhelm. “To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, Nor could the scroll contain the whole tho stretched from sky to sky.”

God’s love is unattainable. No human good can deserve it. No position is worthy to possess it. No power can conquer it and make it its own. It can only be bestowed as a gift.

God’s love is inexhaustible. When you experience His love, you will always want more. As your desire increases you will discover the well never runs dry. All the saints of all time will never in all eternity drain the flow of the living water of God’s love.

God’s love is inescapable. To the ends of the earth His love pursues you. In the lowest depth you cannot hide. At the highest height you cannot evade His love. In the darkest cave the light of His love is brilliant. His love will hunt you down, capture you and will never let you go.

The Extra Mile

Friday night Gina and I went to Lake Fairfield State Park for our date night. In all the years we have been in East Texas, we have never been to this place. We discovered some great trails and did some hiking. We walked the 2 mile trail that evidently connects with another trail at some point. As a result we probably walked an extra mile.

The last mile was probably the best however. We found a nice spot by the lake where we just sat for a while and talked and listened. While in the spot, we think we might have seen an eagle flying. Lake Fairfield is known as a place for such sightings. It was flying at a high altitude, so it was difficult to know for sure, but I claimed that it was an eagle. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

It was a great time of getting away. We saw four deer, three that crossed the trail about 50 yards ahead of us and one feeding in a field. We were 30 yards from her and she never flenched. She just looked up at us for a minute and then started feeding again.

Our date nights are always special. It's an important part of our relationship each week. So many couples do not intentionally spend time with one another. Various reasons exist as to why, but I would encourage you to make time to spend moments together. I have forgotten a lot of things over the past 25 years, but the moments we make always seem to remain locked in my memory. I think its the extra mile we walk together. Thanks for the hike, Gina.

Family Night at the Dees Home

A few weeks ago, Gina suggested we start having family night on Monday's. She has always loved doing these, but it seems everyone is always going in different directions so they are hard to come by. However, every member of the family has made a special effort to be home on Monday evenings and we are enjoying the special times.

After throwing every kind of meat we could find on the grill, we played a lot of spoons tonight. I don't think there was a person at the table that is not a competetor, so it made for some interesting games. Brittany described them as 'exhilarating' and Laura said they were intense. Gina threatend me after I went across the table chasing a spoon. I missed! The last match was between Brandi and me. I have to humbly, yet regretfully acknowledge that Brandi won!!! (She will be pleased I published this.)

Family times are the best times. It's always fun to get together and laugh, enjoy good food and good friends. Oh, and tell the girlfriends all the secrets of our boys.

Melodic Conversations

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (Ephesians 5:18-21) Christians are the dwelling place of Holy Spirit. As a result of His presence, our lives reflect His work in us daily as we are filled with Him. What does the reflection of God look like through us? One of the actions of our lives that reflects God is our conversations. Our conversation is to be pleasant and joyful. Paul uses musical analogies to express what our conversations should sound like to others. When we listen to music, it is not unusual to catch ourselves tapping our feet or singing along with the tune. Good music can change the attitude of an individual. Our conversation should be such that people want to join in with some toe-tapping and maybe even sing-a-long. Avoid joining in office gossip or criticism. Instead, change the attitude of the environment you find yourself in by instigating Spirit led conversation. Build up rather than tear down. Encourage rather than discourage. Speak the truth rather than a lie. What we say is often remembered and repeated, so make sure what you say is beautiful to the Lord, edifying and uplifting to all who hear it. Put a song in someone’s heart today by what you say.