PEA RIDGE — Although I played basketball, baseball and football from sixth grade through the first half of my sophomore year (we moved), I’m not much of a sports fan; I more or less played just to have something to do besides milk cows, clean barns and chicken houses - you know, the basic farm work country boys did in the ’50s and ’60s.
I used to make a lot of fun over the years of a couple of my brothers who, like many men and women think there is no better team than ... I’ve noticed that sentiment is pretty much just as strong today as ever, and I must say I’ve used sports illustrations in many a sermon - though probably not like what you are thinking. My illustrations usually ran in the vein of how it was a mystery to me how people could be so gung-ho in the support of whatever team they supported - paying exorbitant prices for seats to watch a game - and so slack in support of the church they attended.
Or, how it seemed so easy to shout for joy, jumping up and down, even acting like downright idiots at a touchdown, basket, home run and such, yet be unwilling to speak, show any kind of emotion, much less rejoice about the coming of a sinner to salvation or the wonderful holiness, mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Then, one day, that wonderful woman God gave to be my life long partner, the only one who, other than the Lord, can bring me up short with just a word said to me, “Christians and cheerleaders are a lot alike.”
Not being a sports fan, other than a bit of an occasional game of horse with one of my grandsons, I wasn’t really ready to see this comparison. I told my wife to write down her comparisons and I would read them and I did- read them I mean. I then let them set on her computer, telling her “one of these days I might use them in a sermon or an article or maybe even both.” My wonderful wife never said another word about them, and I am ashamed to admit that according to the date stamp on her computer, she wrote down her ideas on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at 9:36 p.m. and I’m just now (May 2012) using what she had given me all that time ago.
The similarities are amazing. Both require enthusiasm and a belief in your team.
You must believe it is the BEST and be supportive, even when it isn’t at the “top of their game.” Both require commitment to following the rules - they’re not suggestions but guidelines to help get the job done, andspeaking of the job, there must be a willingness to practice, to study what must be done. Without knowing the right moves at the right time all that occurs is chaos and confusion. This requires listening to and obeying those who “know” what is needed to get the job done.
Remember, you are a team.
A team works together not independently.
In both callings, you will probably be hurt, you have to accept that possibility and making sure you are wearing all the proper safety equipment, be willing to continue.You must be sincere; those “in the game” can easily tell if their support system doesn’t really believe in them.
I could continue, there are a lot more comparisons my wife made, but I think you get the idea. It doesn’t take much observation to see how Satan has divided Christians into a lot of “different” teams, each working according to their own purposes and desires, raising up “cheerleaders” to act as their representatives to convey to all who will listen they have “the best team” available, and if you will only “back their play” you will achieve the title of “The Best!”
What a shame that the team that “turned the world upside down,” (see Acts 17:6 ) has been brought to a place where so few actively believe and practice the teachings of the greatest coach ever - Jesus Christ - butspend their time, effort and resources defending why the doctrines of man should take the place of the Divine Word of God. What? Don’t believe that is happening?
Then think on this. What is our ratio of prayer to the one who told us “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” (see Matthew 16:18 ) and praying His will be done to our spending our time, resources and time trying to convince each other if we don’t take the kingdom of heaven by force (see Matthew 11:12 ) we will lose it? I rather think, if we are honest, we will be surprised by the answer.
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Editor’s note: Charlie Newman is pastor of Avoca Christian Church. To contact him, e-mail pastor@pastorcharlie. net, or write in care of The Times at [email protected] or P.O. Box 25, Pea Ridge, AR 72751.
Church, Pages 2 on 07/04/2012