Nurturing-a Hallmark of Exemplary Christians

Nurturing is not a hallmark of wimps—it’s the calling card of the forever dedicated.

I have been thinking a lot about Colin Kaepernick and what he has brought on himself–the sadness and controversy he has thrust upon this nation–by his poor choice of timing. His actions needed nurturing by those around him so Colin would have chosen better– to make a huge difference instead of just a big stink. About his adoptive parents,

“They agree with what I’m standing for,” Colin Kaepernick told USA TODAY Sports Wednesday at the 49ers’ practice facility in Santa Clara, about a two-hour drive from his parents’ house.

“Once again, it’s not a protest against America. It’s a protest against oppression and injustices and the equality that’s not being given to all people.”

Kaepernick’s parents declined to comment, with Teresa Kaepernick saying,

It’s not in our best interest or Colin’s best interest.”

Hmmmm. Nurturing and training go hand in hand. Colin’s birth mother Heidi Russo has commented via Twitter that his desire to press for social justice can be better expressed in other ways and at other times.

Colin is in a position to do something meaningful about oppression, injustice, and inequality. He could take a page from LeBron James’ playbook “Cleveland Hustles”  and be a role model, using his wealth and his celebrity to organize like-minded celebrity individuals to give those oppressed a hand of actual help up instead of a collective knee for the anthem. Protesting isn’t nearly as productive as nurturing. Protesting makes him a goat. Nurturing would turn him back to being a hero in his hometown.

Particularly in an age of absentee fatherhood, genuine nurturing is a biblical trait for men (and women)—it’s one of the Tiny Virtues for Exemplary Christian Living.. And that nurturing doesn’t stop when our children reach adulthood. A hands-off approach only fosters loveless actions but our continued hand up for the downed player coaches the best in our family members and it only makes us all better. It’s the goal of nurturing.

The Apostle Paul knew how to nurture.  He wasn’t a pushover or neglectful.  He was intentional about his nurturing in every way.

I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (1 Corinthians 9:23-25)

Ponder today: the negativity inherent in protest and the positive impact of nurturing someone’s best interests

Bible character of the day: the Apostle Paul