A few years ago, when my son was still in the single digit ages, his mother and I signed him up for Pop Warner football. It was a relatively positive experience, with only a few hiccups here and there which were mostly related to uber-intense sports parents. One thing I did take note of during the experience was the coaching. Specifically, the dedication of the coaches which were involved. These men all worked a regular forty-hour-week in their jobs and some of them had very physically demanding occupations like carpentry. Yet, without fail they were there five days a week for afternoon practice and most of the day on Saturday for games. I realize it was only for the limited time during the football season, but their intense dedication was still highly impressive. None of these men were being paid to be there and at least one of them did not even have a son on the team. They were dedicated because of a love for the game.
With that level of dedication in mind, my thoughts inevitably turn to the church. Few people would be willing to give multiple hours a day and an entire Saturday to service at their local church, even if it only lasted a season. They would find any and every reason why such dedication was absolutely impossible. But the reality is that people tend to do what they want to do. If it is important to them, they will find a way. If it is not, they will find an excuse. People are also great at justifying their involvement or lack of involvement. The coaches of that Pop Warner team justified their involvement to themselves and to their family. Whatever mental criteria they mustered up, it was enough. Maybe it was just the love of the game.
There is so much which could be done for the cause of Christ, but so precious few who are willing to dedicate themselves to the cause. Churches are filled with members who attend worship regularly but otherwise do not serve their congregations or their communities. Some even complain that the church offers no opportunities to serve, but that is really just an excuse. Every church has members in it which need to be discipled, counseled, encouraged and challenged. Most churches have people with physical needs which need to be met. A mowed lawn or a trimmed tree can be done in service to an elderly Christian brother who is unable to do it himself. A plumbing repair can mean the world to a Christian sister who cannot afford to hire a professional. Whats more is that these are not games. These are real life issues which deserve real life investments. Should we not be more dedicated to Christ than to anything in this world? Furthermore, should not our dedication be even more fervent than those who simply have a love for a game?
I encourage all who are reading this to look deeply into your church, find the holes that need to be filled, and fill them full to the glory of God.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” - Romans 12:9-13 |
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