GET IN THE GAME!

In this era of specialization, we have a professional for every area of our lives. If you want someone to fix your car, go see a mechanic. If you are feeling ill, go see a doctor. If you have a legal question, go see a lawyer. If you want someone to educate your children, take them to a school of teachers. If you have a Bible question, go see a pastor.
The result of such specialization is that we have turned church over to professionals. Like football teams, movies, restaurants, music celebrities, churches seek someone to draw a crowd. In comparison, as a measure of life in a church, “How many people were there on Sunday?” or “How many members does your church have?” Joseph Campbell said the worst mistake in the history of the church was when the priest turned from the altar, speaking to God on behalf of the people during worship, and turned toward the people speaking to them on behalf of God. Gauging by our behavior, if our actions were the only testimony to our faith, one might think Jesus called disciples to, “Come and watch me,” instead of “Come and follow me.” As a friend told me, we are fans of Jesus, not followers.
Imagine you came to Nashville and went with me to a Titans football game. Three running backs are injured and the coach comes into the stands and says to you, “We need you. Come play running back.” Thinking about the size of these athletes, chances are, you’d reply, “I just came to watch.”
Then we go to The Grand Ol’ Opry for a show. The guitar player is sick. The organizer comes out into the stands and says, “We need you to come up on stage and play.” Likely, you’d say, “But I just came to watch.”
Then we go to a large church with a professional band and leaders, and during the service, Jesus walks up and taps you on the shoulder, and says, “Follow me.”
You say, “But I just came to watch…” you wait for a moment, hoping Jesus will go away. You’re regretting taking the seat on the aisle. It would have been much safer in the middle. Jesus says again, “Let’s go.”
“But I just came to worship,” you say. “I love you. I believe. I’ve read your book. Big fans… me and my whole family…” You lift your hands and move them in the church version of “The Wave.” Again, you’re hoping he’ll go away. Hoping he’ll say, “Okay, have a nice day. See you in heaven.” But he doesn’t. Sure you might become so blinded by the crowd, unable to see anything without an affirmation, asking others, “Do you see what I see,” not making a decision until everyone in your family agrees or all on your committee vote, “Aye!” But he keeps coming, calling you out, onto the stage, onto the field, into the moments of your life, becoming all God intends for you to be and become.