February 8th, 2011
Spectator vs. Participant
Today's Story
I watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. Well, to be honest, I watched a few minutes of the actual game, some of the commercials, and about half of the half-time show. For the die-hard football fans, Super Bowl Sunday means that the biggest game of the year gets their undivided attention, no matter who is playing. For those who are fans of the two opposing teams, special attention is most certainly given to every moment that the clock is running. But for the rest of the estimated 110 million viewers, it’s a great time for a party! A whole evening is set aside just to be with friends, and everyone makes a fuss over the food, of course. Websites, blogs, magazines and TV shows all spend weeks highlight the best foods to make for football fans so that you can have the best party fare. Football-shaped paper plates, goal-post toothpicks, and great conversations divert our attention from the reason we say we are there. If you’re not that into the game, there’s always the kitchen for hanging out and catching up with friends. There are so many reasons to attend a Super Bowl party besides the football game itself, and there are plenty of things to distract us from the game, even if we do want to watch it.
Image coutesy of google images
God's Story
Revelation 3:15-16
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about participating?
As I was thinking about Super Bowl Sunday, I began to think about how similar it can be to our experience with church. We think church is a great place to connect with God and learn about him, but there are so many distractions that we often miss the point of being there. In Revelation, John wrote these specific verses to the church in Laodicea as a warning. I can imagine that they were going through the motions, making their appearance, but not really present for what mattered most to God. Their hearts were not in it. They probably looked really great from the outside, but being busy for the Lord or being present in church does not equal a heart on fire for Him.
My Story
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
- Are you a spectator or a participant in God’s Story?
- Are you hanging around church and other believers to see what they are doing for God, or are you taking an active part in what He has planned for you?
- Are you hot, cold, or lukewarm for Him?
Their Story
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
As you talk to friends about their Super Bowl activities this past weekend, find out if they were there for the game, the people, or the food. Connect their answer to God’s warning in scripture to be a full-on participant in His purpose.