Tender and Tough

One of the ideas that has revolutionized the way that I view the Bible and the Christian life is the balance of tender/tough. John Piper presented this idea to me in his biographical series- Men of Whom the World is Not Worthy. Piper challenges us to read the Gospels and record every tender statement that Jesus makes. And also record every tough statement He makes. There is a remarkable balance.

The Christian life is designed to be a delicate balance between grace/truth; mercy/holiness; tenderness/toughness. I was reminded of this in hearing stories of Avery Johnson- the head coach of the potential World Champion Dallas Mavericks.

Avery has modeled and transferred mental toughness to the Mavericks- a team that has been talented in the past but also labeled as "soft". Dallas' star- Dirk Nowitzki- has been transformed from a jump shooting 7-footer to a guy who will do whatever his team needs to win- rebound, get to the foul line, drive the ball to the basket, defend, etc... Avery Johnson said something profound, "The players have responded to criticism well because they know how much I love them. They know my motivation is to make them better players and people."

My goal as a parent is to carefully preserve this balance of tenderness/toughness. I am caught up in Dallas Mavericks fever as many in the Dallas/Fort Worth area are. I enjoy the NBA playoffs because the playoffs are a war of attrition. The toughest teams usually win- because they are able to persevere through times when the mind is willing but the body is fatigued. Dallas is proving that they are the toughest team. There are many heroes.

Without DeSagan Diop's defense against Tim Duncan in OT of game 7, Dallas would not be playing for the championship. Jason Terry has been clutch. Josh Howard is a budding superstar who can lock down opposing players at key points. Devin Harris gave the Spurs problems. Jerry Stackhouse has been huge in key situations. Dirk Nowitzki dropped 50 on Phoenix along with his normal superstar play- including a 3-point play against the Spurs when Dallas looked like it would blow a large lead. Eric Dampier shut down Shaq in Game 2 of the Finals. Perhaps Shaq regrets calling Dampier "Erica". But no one deserves more credit than Avery Johnson.

Avery is an outspoken advocate of Christianity. I love how he models the tenderness and toughness of Christ. The Christian life is dependent on the daily radical grace of God. And the Christian life is war- persevering faith in the midst of trials, temptations and doubt. Our stewardship in areas of money, abilities, time and health have eternal implications.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks the words of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11.

For His Glory,

Ashley Hodge