James 2:1
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
We are at the beginning weeks of football season here in the south. Which means lines are drawn and the one-liners are being rehearsed. In Alabama alone there is great adversity when it comes to football. From little league park ball to college ball there is a battle every weekend. Most of the biggest battles are not on the field, but in the stands. At the parks, it seems like there is a fight every week. Some dad, or mom, is being thrown out of the park either for their mouth or fists. At the high school level, I've seen parents jump the fence and take the field. I saw one dad jump the fence and begin punching a player. At the college level, I've seen drunks ranting and raving on who was the best quarterback in the league and who stunk the worse as a player. On the field, most of the time, the players play ball. But the stands tell a different story. Some fans roll trees on their home turf, while other fans poison or even burn those trees. It's crazy!
One crazy thing is how an athlete will be judged by weight room stats, running stats, etc... Then when it comes game time, you can't seem to find them on the field. Others will not weigh in as well and you don't give them much thought. But they unleash themselves on the field and become and impact player. It's so funny to hear people gear up for football in the off season. They begin to pick their players and teams. They pump it up so much! We've now got a "Fantasy Football League". Where you can draft your players and build a team.
Sad thing is... This attitude has bled over into our churches. Not in recent years, it's always had its place in the church. The name is SIN! One person picks this Christian and another one degrades them. One player messes up and falls and it seems like it is on an ESPN News report. "This just in... Last night #12 starting deacon in The Baptist Church was reportedly seen leaving the town bar. He was later picked up by police for a DUI. What will the Baptist do this year without their starting deacon? Will discipline take place? How could you sit in church with someone who would do such a thing? Now back to you Erin."
Yes, the sin of the deacon is wrong and one the church should address. The sin of picking and choosing is wrong as well. So is the backbiting and tale bearer. So is looking upon people and seeing if they will make a good Christian or not. Seeing who would benefit the church team or not is wrong. Looking upon their riches or poverty is wrong.
James 2:9
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Let God keep the stats, you run the ball! Let the church leaders do the discipline, you hold the line! Stop picking your Fantasy Christian League and play ball!
Lord, please help me keep my eyes on YOU! Never let me pick the team, cause we would lose every game. Thank you Lord. I love you!
