December 23,1996
Dear Br. Bruce:
It is refreshing to find a young man, such as yourself, who apparently possesses wholesome traits of character. So often, these days, children and young folks, who are the graduation examination of their parents, disgrace them through their conduct, behavior, speech, life-style, and poor choices. However, you seem to have chosen a wholesome life-style as manifested by your love for hoarse back riding and desire to obtain a Christian education.
Take every opportunity to learn something about many things, while
you may not be a specialist in any one thing, you will be more
successful by knowing a wide variety of subjects then by learning
any one subject to the exclusion of all else.
The human mind is dwarfed through the all too frequent tendency
of specialization. When we cultivate only one or two of our facilities,
to the neglect of others, we actually cripple our minds and they
function less effectively. A symmetrically balanced education
and character are of greater price then much specialization.
While you study, don’t neglect the physical exercise of your
body. Here, you have chosen well for hoarse-back riding is a wholesome
exercise that tends to develop all of your physical capabilities
at the same time. Many young men choose to enter sports for the
fame and adulation it offers, and some even find it, but the vast
majority suffer injury or disappointed hopes. Sports are not a
suitable occupation or pursuit for a Christian who, if he desires
to follow the Biblical guidelines, avoids all activities that
pits one person against another in the pursuit of the supremacy.
There is no such thing as Christian athletes. This is a contradiction
in terms. All athletes or sports are based on a simple principal,
conquest of or mastery over another person or group of persons.
This is the basis of Satan’s kingdom, while the basis of
Christ’s kingdom is self-sacrificing love. How can I love
my opponent when I desire his destruction, albeit symbolically,
through obtaining a higher score.
A young man, who loves the Lord and who appreciates his Lord’s
love for him, will spend all his time reflecting his Lord’s
character of love. Never was Christ found playing ball for the
Nazareth tigers base ball team. Never did he play fullback for
the Bethlehem Bangles. Never did he shoot baskets for the Capernium
Cougars.
Christ was too busy spreading hope, cheer, courage, and the Love of his father too as many people as possible who would listen. Even as a young child, he was constantly absorbed in searching out the secrets of His Father’s kingdom as displayed through nature and as written in the Holy word of God, the very word that He had inspired prophets to write. His time was occupied in doing good for others, not in conquering others or demonstrating to the world His superior athletic abilities.
Men and boys, who devote themselves to the pursuit of sports,
are neglecting a greater field of endeavor, a field that, one
day, they will dearly desire to seek but will be unable to find.
We have only a few days allotted to us in which to do the Lord’s
work. If we squander them through frivolous activities, such as
sports or athletics, we neglect our assigned field of living and
loving for Christ.
Never will the well done thou good and faithful servant be spoken
to one who has abused and prostrated his God-given powers in the
pursuit of athletics at the neglect of soul winning.
God has a wonderful future for you, brother Bruce, one that will
satisfy your every desire should you endeavor to follow it. Remember,
whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. Let
us not be slackers in the Lord’s work, secretly desiring
to play gulf on the Sodom community gulf course. (Fire and brimstone
tend to scorch the greens and fairways.)
Your parents are giving you a wonderful gift when they pay for your education. Use this gift to the best of your ability that they and the Lord may look with approval upon your efforts.
May the Lord bless you with good study habits and may you avoid
the temptations to study less and play more. Your brother in Christ.
Allen A. Benson