02.04.2007 - The Lombardi Trophy & the Parrot

The Lombardi Trophy & the Parrot
February 4, 2007 by Rick Shurtz
Audio Available Online (mp3 format)

In the message, Rick talked about our passions in life, our goals, and how we prepare to reach them. Let’s explore some of these ideas.

1. Rick described Troy Aikman’s response to winning the Superbowl as “Now what?” Have you ever had a time when you finally achieved a long sought-after goal? What did that feel like to you? What did you do next? Take time to describe the events and the emotions. (10 – 15 minutes)

2. What about right now? Is there a goal you have in your life right now that you would call a “passion”? (You can take Rick’s suggestion and ask “If someone else were to observe my life right now, what would they identify as my Lombardi Trophy?” Or - if there is someone you’re doing these discussion questions with who knows you well, you could ask for their insights into what your passion might be). If you know – or have an idea of your passion, describe that a bit, and if possible, explain what makes that goal so desirable for you. PLEASE remember… the “right” answer is just the “real” answer.

If your don’t have a “passion” now, do you have any thoughts about why not, and whether you’re OK with that?

(10 – 15 minutes)

3. Rick talked about the difference between making small things big things, and making big things big things. We probably all know people who do one or the other. Think of an example of someone who does one of these two things (i.e., someone who makes small things big or someone who makes a big deal out of big things). Without naming names, or giving identifying information, take some time to describe that person and their behavior. (10 – 15 minutes)

4. In the message, Rick described the small things as temporary (parrots) and big things as those that have eternal value. What are things that have “eternal value” anyway? Share a bit on what you think that means. (5 minutes)

Now, think about these options:
A) There is something that I would call a “passion” in my life that I think fits the definition of having “eternal value”?
B) There is some area where God has “tickled” something in my heart or mind… something I think could be a passion – or I’d like to be a passion, that has eternal value, but I have not pursued it yet.
C) I can’t really pinpoint anything that I could get that jazzed about that seems to have eternal value… but I’d really like to find something that does.
D) No thanks – not right now.

NOW – take about 5 minutes and write down some thoughts:

If you answered A or B… write down what your passion item is and then write down where your “training” is, or could be next?
If you answer C, write down a prayer that asks for God’s direction and write some possible next steps in finding a passion from Him.
If you answered D, write down the “why”… do you know your reasons why this is not very attractive to you now?

If you have time left, you can take some time to share your answers above as you are comfortable.

Similar to Rick’s message, these options really have to do with your willingness to “go deeper” in your relationship with God. The real question is whether you have that desire and if not, whether you’re willing to let God develop that desire in you. Either way it’s worth talking to God about.

Take your written comments and either spend some time right now to tell them to God silently - if not now, commit to finding 10 minutes in your week to talk with God about them then. If you have any clear direction, be sure to write it down and begin the next steps in “training”.

Message Verses:

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 9:24–25, NIV

Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV

Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I discipline myself…so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV

Other relevant Bible Verses:
Hebrews 12:1–11
Isaiah 40:29–31


Next Steps?
Maybe God is prompting you to….

• Consider joining a Gateway Community Group or a Gateway Small Group
• Take a Gateway U class
• Join a serving team
• Find a personal Bible Study plan
• Read a book on some aspect of following Christ or other spiritual development
• You can get other ideas at the Way of Christ website