66 in 1 Series: Just an empty cup

I am attempting to read through all 66 books of the Bible this year. Whenever I am challenged or encouraged by a particular word, verse, or passage, I will share it with you. Welcome to my “66 in 1” series. Today’s post is a jem from my archives. When I came across this particular passage in the Gospel of John, I immediately thought of this post~ enjoy!

image courtesy of Justin Knight/creationswap

The King: “What are you doin’, kid?”

Lightning McQueen: “I think the King should finish his last race.”

The King: “You just gave up the Piston Cup, you know that?”

Lightning McQueen: “Ah. This grumpy old race car I know once told me somethin’: it’s just an empty cup.“

~From Disney’s Cars Movie, 2006

My son Jackson is fascinated with the Disney movie, Cars. He takes his Mater and Lightning McQueen cars everywhere. Although I am tired of watching his beloved movie everyday, I enjoy watching the ending over and over again.

If you have seen the movie, you may remember that McQueen does not win the Piston Cup. He does not win because he chooses to help the injured reigning champion cross the finish line. Helping his competitor across the finish line was more important than winning. Lightning McQueen learned that sharing kindness and love were more important than winning an empty cup.

Lightning McQueen has reminded my heart of a very important lesson. I pray this lesson is cemented into my son’s heart as well.

Some will tell Jackson that life is about winning an empty cup.

This is not what the Bible says. God does not want us to live for what is empty. He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth, so that we can live life to the fullest:

“The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life–indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.”

~{Jesus} John 10:10 CEB

Are they living life to the fullest?

I admit, I cannot remember who won gold 4 years ago, or who even won the Super Bowl last year! In my own life, all of my 1st place track ribbons, and drill team awards that I won are kept in storage boxes. The ribbons are faded and the fake gold is chipping off of my pom pom figurine.

Yet, I remember receiving these. I thought I was living life to the fullest.

I wasn’t.

I am not saying that awards or goals are evil. Those who receive academic honors, gold medals, or awards for serving their community or country are to be respected and applauded. Honors are blessings. However, are they the only reason for our existence?

Like Lightning McQueen, I am learning that life is about loving people. Yes, winning feels good. But showing kindness, love, and helping those around me, IS fulfilling and trumps all the earthly awards and recognition I recieve.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…”

~Galatians 5:22a, NIV

A One Degree moment:

I believe that I am experiencing this because God does not intend for my life to be full of me.

He desires my life to be empty of me and full of His Spirit.

God will not force my hand or my heart. He does not desire a relationship with a robot. He desires a redeemed daughter that wants to be filled. A daughter that wants to be filled with His Spirit instead of shiny statues.

I believe that those who are allowing the Holy Spirit to increase patience, kindness, gentleness, and love in their lives are living life to the fullest. (Galations 5:22-25) They forfeit winning, for they know that helping those around them is more important than an empty Piston cup.

So do not become discouraged if gold isn’t in your future! The world does not reward for the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It prefers empty cups instead. Jesus will reward though.

May our cups overflow with the Holy Spirit…

Lord Jesus, I admit that the empty cups of this world are mighty appealing. I pray for my friend, whose heart is breaking in light of loosing the cup. Lord please comfort them. Remind us that you have called us to focus on and live for the things that are important to you and that are not of this world (Colossians 3:2). Holy Spirit, we invite you to empty us of pride and selfishness. Fill us with you, Holy Spirit. Grow us in the areas of patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, love, and self-control. We want to love those around us in a way that brings glory to you, Father God. Thank you that you came to give us life so that we CAN live it to the fullest. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.