Pentecost countdown Day 5: Counsel

UNH's Cameron Lyle

Counsel (right judgment): with the gift of counsel/right judgment, we know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values taught by Jesus;

Lyle Camron is a track and field star at UNH -- the University of New Hampshire. Just before he had the chance to fill out his trophy shelf with more medals, another chance presented itself:

Growing up an athlete in Plaistow, N.H., Cameron Lyle heard all the cliches about the importance of sacrifice and giving your all. 

For most of his career as a track and field star in high school and college, the sacrifices were relatively easy. Work out harder. Sweat more. Put that shot just a bit farther. 

Recently though, Lyle upped the ante, officially ending his college athletic career a bit early so he could donate bone marrow to a 28-year-old man suffering from a form of blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

Lyle’s decision to donate came just days before his final chances at gold medals in the Division 1 America East Conference championships and the legendary Penn Relays, the oldest and most celebrated collegiate track and field competition in the country. Lyle had medaled 11 times at the conference level.

Now, I admire a man who can run real fast and throw a metal ball real far. But I really admire a person who can put aside their personal goals when a higher call is heard. Most people know the difference between right and wrong. Some of them might even "choose to do what is right." But how many would make that choice when fame, glory or security is at stake?

I think we sell ourselves short when we think, "Not many." The Boston Marathon bombings happened just a month ago today. Just long enough ago to be put out of mind, at least once in a awhile. But that day was filled with heroes -- the ones with badges and reflective jackets, but also the ones with just a belt to cinch around a bleeding limb, or muscles to push a wheelchair down the street. True, there were also those who just ran away, and a few who helped themselves to official Marathon jackets at an untended table. But there were so many who stayed and helped. Even a cop who tried to save the life of one of the bombers after he'd been shot and run over.

You don't need to be a Christian to exhibit the gift of counsel. But anyone calling themselves Christian ought to measure themselves against counsel's lofty call.