Christianity Isn't a Spectator Sport

 

I’ve played many different sports, usually not very well, although I enjoy playing.  I also watch sports on TV. Participating in a sport requires dedication, discipline, practice, and being willing to listen to your coach or teacher. If you’re in a team sport, you should try to put the team first and your own wants second. In contrast, being a fan just requires a ticket or a TV/streaming service. Actually, you can call yourself a fan and never even go to a game or match.

 

Christianity isn’t a spectator sport! We’re called to participate in the life of the church. That requires the same dedication, discipline, willingness to learn, and commitment to “your team” that the athlete needs. Unfortunately, too many Christians are just fans today, taking it all in without joining in.

 

There is a twofold component to our participation in the church. On the one hand, we should be active participants in our local congregation. On the other hand, we should be taking our faith out into the world around us. Paul’s instructions to the Colossians reflect this dual nature.

 

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:16-17).

 

Jesus has called us to serve. He has given us gifts to use in His service. We’re not supposed to sit in the stands, we’re supposed to get out on the field. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

 

We are part of the church, the Body of Christ. We are all interconnected. We must do our part if the Body is to function properly. Let us be faithful to the call.