​“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ Jesus." 

​Philippians 1:27

In rodeo competition, some days nothing can go wrong in the arena and then there are days when nothing can go right—and NFR 2000 was no exception.  A Christian cowboy whose strength was never missing a horse out, missed one.  Christian team roping superstars missed shots that are usually just a part of their day’s work.  Things going wrong in the calf roping and dogging that just shouldn’t have happened.  One thing that was obvious to all who watched the rodeo—was attitude.  God tells us that he has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and self discipline.  ​

(2 Timothy 1:7)  Self discipline was seen in the Christian cowboys in the arena of NFR 2000.  When they had every worldly reason to throw their sucker in the dirt and have a fit and fall in it—instead they exited the arena with quiet dignity.  Each night, seventeen thousand spectators saw Christian men make great runs and then accept the praise of man with humility.

Think about these few Bible verses as you reflect back on NFR 2000.  The first says, “that a good name is more desirable than great wealth, to be esteemed is better than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

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The other is “Let another man praise you and not your own mouth.” (Proverbs 27:2)

As a Christian cowboy walking away from the NFR with your wallet either slimmer or bigger than you expected, the words spoken by announcers, spectators, and friends about the quality of your character should be cherished.  Blessings often come in ways we don’t expect.  Whether you won a gold buckle or not, one of the things more important than any amount of gold is the integrity, honesty, decency, and humility for which your name stands. 

Because God has given to us His best, it was only right that each Christian cowboy give his all to glorify God.  Christian cowboys, if you with all of your heart know that you did the best you could each time you competed at the NFR and you were giving your best to glorify God, then you can be assured that your heavenly Father is saying, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”  God was pleased when he looked down on the Thomas and Mack arena and saw His men, His treasured possessions, conducting themselves in a manner worthy of His name.