John 3:16 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

“It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” Proverbs 19:2

John 3:16 is one of the most famous Bible verses.  It owes its recognition partly to a fanatic sports fan who spent over a decade holding huge John 3:16 posters at hundreds of sports events.  Due to the crazy colored wig and colorful personality, he was called the “Rainbow Man”.  His mission was simple.  He wanted to reach the millions with the saving message of Jesus Christ.  He was the most famous sports fan through the 80’s, even appearing on Saturday Night Live.  The question, however, is did he send the right message?

On September 22, 1992 the Rainbow Man’s sports days came to an end when he held a maid hostage in a hotel room in LA.  When asked why he held the woman hostage his answer was simple.  He wanted camera time to share his message of Jesus Christ on the national news.  His act landed him in jail convicted with three counts of hostage taking, each one of those carrying a life sentence policy. 

Christian passion and zeal is an amazing and wonderful thing to have, but it does not amount to anything when there is no wisdom.  We are all called to share with others the saving message of the gospel.  However, you must be wise and have more than knowledge of the message: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  You must live the message.

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GOING DEEPER:

1. You have heard it said, “You can’t just talk the talk; you’ve got to walk the walk.”  What does that mean for you as you live the Christian life?

2. Think of at least four ways that you can use your life to share the message of Christ with wisdom.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 4; John 16:5-16


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