Springboard Principle

Commandment #9:

Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.

In gymnastics there is the Vault competition.  You run down the runway as fast as you can and jump onto this springboard.  This action propels you high in the air where you can do some cool twists and turns and then land on your feet...hopefully!  There were some memorable Olympic moments for the USA on the vault in years past: 1984: Mary Lou Retton Wins the Olympic All-Around Title with Perfect 10 on Vault Exercise; 1996: Kerri Strug Sticks Her Vault on an Injured Ankle

Hmmm ... what does this have to do with Commandment #9? 

Sometimes we are running so hard after the things we have to accomplish on our TO-DO list.  We see the goals we measure ourselves against.  We have the dreams and visions in our mind...even some God-given!  The gold medal is there for the taking and if we stick the "vault" exercise, its ours.  But to get that "gold" we have to use that springboard that sits on the floor to get us to the preferred destination. 

Are we just seeing the potential end result and jumping on people in our lives to get to where we want to be?  Are we stepping on toes and dreams of others so that we propel ourselves?
Are we push others down so that we can push ourselves over the top?
Are we pouncing on others' God-given dreams so that our dream is fulfilled? 

Springboard Principle:

Don't jump, step, or push others down to lift ourselves up!

Let's see people for who they are not only what they can do for us.  Allow them to dream and use their God-given gifts and talents.  Hey you  never know, those dreams and gifts will compliment and further the vision and mission of the church.  Everyone wants to be a part of something, but they don't have to feel like robots.

Go for the "gold" as one team. 

Enjoy the Ride,

Cecil