Most of you know that I am an avid Ohio State University fan. So what better way to begin the new year of 2003 than by cheering the Ohio State University Buckeyes to a National Championship this past Friday evening!! It was an incredible game!! I didn't know if my heart could take all the tension and I practically chewed my fingernails down to the knuckles!!
Following the game as I listened to the sports commentators and read the write-ups in the newspapers ... it got me to thinking...
ISN'T IT STRANGE...
- If a football game goes into double overtime - everybody thinks it's thrilling;
But if the church service runs over 15 mintues - folks are less than thrilled.
- If the football stadium is filled to capacity and overflowing - everbody is psyched;
But if the church service is crowded - folks say "Our church is getting too big!"
- That folks will sit for over two hours in all kinds of weather (rain, snow, sleet, heat) to watch a football game;
But the temperature in the church building never suits them.
- That folks will spend hundreds of dollars on tickets, airfare, hotels, meals, rental cars, parking, programs, etc. just to attend a game;
But complain that the church is always asking for money.
- That folks will gasp when a player is injured on the playing field and cheer when he finally stands up;
But in the church - we are so quick to 'shoot our wounded'.
- That folks will study and know detailed statistics about the team and the players;
But many in the church have difficulty committing to studying the details Word of God.
- That folks will diligently prepare to attend the game...pack their stadium blanket, portable radio, binoculars, etc.;
But many in the church spend precious little time preparing for worship.
- That as folks leave the football game they will still be talking about the game around the water cooler at work on Monday;
But many in the church never talk about the Lord outside the walls of the church building.
- That folks arrive early for the game and stay after the game to enjoy tailgate parties and festivities;
But many in the church zip in & zip out of the worship services as quick as they can.
- That at a football game we stand and cheer and clap and raise our arms when our team scores;
But at church - many just sit...with no motion or emtion.
Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel stated on one of the sports talk shows, "One of the reasons we won the National Championship is because we are more than just a team...we are a family."
Well said.
BUT we in the church are more than just a team that huddles together on Sunday mornings...we are a family. A family united with one Father...whom we worship and adore! And the reason that we gather to worship Him is not because we 'hope' for a victory...we worship Him because we are 'assured' of victory.
Dennis Wheeler...pastor, speaker, encourager, and humorist lives with his family in beautiful east Tennessee.
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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