On Fans and Players, 8-29-11
(Inspired by the Holy Spirit through Demolishing Strongholds)
To the Body of Christ
People flock to local courts and playing fields, decked out in the colors and numbers of their favorite team and player. Many won't miss a game. Or if they do, they receive the "blow by blow" from a friend (who IS there) over text. They are totally committed.
They cheer.
They scream.
They jump.
They dance.
They might even cry.
Many invest in teams. Sponsoring them with either money, time or equipment. It's all about the game. The rush.
Now! How many fans do you suppose really even know the game. Sure, they might understand that if the ball goes into the hoop the team receives 2 pts, depending on where the shot was made. Or if they make it to the end of the field they get a touchdown. But how many people do you suppose would actually be able to carry out a play if (at random) the coach showed them one to carry out? Not many would be my guess.
"Monica, where are you going?"
You know how when the Holy Spirit teaches something He usually brings it up multiple times within only a few days? Well, this is what He has been showing me: He has many committed fans... and not enough players. Too many people who come, sit in the stands (the pew) and watch from a distance at the kingdom moving ahead by a very small minority. HOWEVER! I do not believe the church has helped as well as they could at providing radical campaigns or "plays" to involve their immediate communities in bringing forth the kingdom. (Not that it is entirely their responsibility.)
Why do I say this?
Too much catering to people. Too much caring about what they think.
"We want everyone to be comfortable."
"We don't want people to feel bad."
"We want people to like us."
Can I say something no one else seems to voice, but I'm sure many have observed?
Where in the Bible does it say our walk will or should be comfy?
Where in the Bible does Jesus just let people continue in their sin because He doesn't want them to feel bad?
And where in the Bible does it say people will like us?
"Whoa... She's sounding radical."
"She doesn't sound very loving here."
"Who does this girl think she is?!"
I'm not condemning anyone. (Actually, this is directed at myself, but I thought I would write for everyone, incase someone is inspired.) And yes, I do believe we are doing better than we have in previous decades. But I think we could do better. (By "we" I mean the Body. My family.)
Think about it this way (and if you've seen Demolishing Strongholds you'll recognize this picture):
You are an athlete. Or you're going to be one. You show up to your first practice. You're amped. Not only are you going to become better at your sport, but you're going to be physically pushed beyond what you're used to. You will be stronger for having participated. And strength is coveted.
The coach walks in. A big tough looking man, strong. What does he say? Does he say:
"Ok, so I want this to be fun for you. I want you to be comfortable. So you can drink all you want. You can stay out late, I won't make you wake up for early morning practice. You can eat whatever you want and it's ok if you don't make all the games. Just come to the ones you can. Now let's start with a little warm up, not too much tho, I don't want you to over exert yourself."
HA!!!!!! No he says,
"Ok, kids... I'm gonna push you harder than you think you can be pushed. I'm gonna run your chubby little legs off. You're gonna sweat buckets. You're gonna cry. You're gonna puke. You're NOT going to drink. You're NOT going to stay out too late. You're NOT going to miss games. If I hear of any messin' around you're out. No "ifs", "buts" or "how's". I will make you tougher, stronger and better if you'll do what I say, when I say it! Now get running!"
So maybe that's a bit extreme, but it's closer than the other.
Come on! We're a team. Let's get fit. Let's push ourselves out of our comfort-zone. Let's not get as close to the world and the things they do as we can. Let's be OK with sticking out.
Just so you know... I am a lover. I do love people. But I love in the sense that I want the greatest best for everyone. And that means I can't just sit by and watch people do things that is contradictory to what the Word of God says. AND I cannot apologize for what the Bible says. It says what it says, there is no changing it. I have chosen to believe every single word in there. Love does not mean making sure people are comfortable or good with us. We shouldn't bend or twist the Bible's words to please them. We shouldn't just read the parts that promise blessings or make us feel good. That can lead us down paths we shouldn't go. Sometimes we need a rough word or two to wake us up. Further more, we do not just do this for nothing! It will be so worth it. We are promised eternal fellowship with our Creator! Um?! Worth it? Yes. Very.
Now what though? I'm beginning to run dry here... So I'll close with this.
The Bible. The Bible has the answers. I can sit here and type and encourage and beg. But I do not have the answer. I'm merely contemplating. Mostly for my own sake actually. I am not the player I should be when it comes to God's team. And as I sit here I realize that if I want to be a better player, I'd better get to know the game better. I'd better pick up my rule book and buckle down. And it takes strict self-discipline. Will we do it? I want to. I will, 'cause I don't want to watch as my team wins, I wanna play. I love knowing that we win in the end anyway. I'm on an invincible team. So why not play? I love winning.=] Haha! So bring it! Let's partner with our LIVING and ACTIVE God to rock this world.
1 Corinthians 9:25-27, "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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
