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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
"We Are One In Christ"
November 17, 2010
He had on a number 92 James Harrison black and gold jersey. We formed
an instant bond. He couldn't have been much more than twelve years old
but when I passed him and said, "Go Steelers!" He smiled and gave me
thumbs up. Even though we had never met before, we shared something
very special. We were both part of Steelers' Nation.
He turned to his dad and said, "That man likes the Steelers too!" I smiled
as I settled into my seat and thought about how being a fan of a sports team
is a very special thing. When you are a fan, it doesn't matter how old you
are, what color skin you have, where you live, or how much money you
make. You share something very unique with untold others. When you meet
on the street, in a restaurant or at a game you become instant buddies.
Ask any Boston Red Sox fan about 1978 or 2004 and you will see tears
come to their eyes. Ask a New York Jets fan about Willie Joe Namath and
you will get a smile. Ask a New England Patriot fan, "Who is better Tom
Brady or Peyton Manning?" and you will get an earful. Fans know who they
believe in and are quite clear as to who their enemy is. It's always the guy
on the other team who loses out.
I've heard Yankee fans argue about who was better, Jeter or Scooter, and
then laugh and agree that both were great in their day. The New York Giant
fans may debate as to which quarterback, Phil Simms or Eli Manning has
more talent. Yet, when the shouting stops they both cheer, "Go Giants."
That's the beauty of sports. It's our team against the rest of the world.
As I sat there eating my grinder, sadness came over me. I wondered why
it isn't always the same way with Jesus' followers. I've seen Christians
caught up in angry disputes with other Christians. What may have begun as
a disagreement about the way we interpret scripture quickly turns into a
battle of wills. Instead of celebrating our common faith, they walk away
bitterly divided. No wonder the world seems to be turning away from the
church.
Didn't Jesus say that they will know we are in him by our love? Isn't the
defining mark of one who believes in Christ, a love of God and love of
neighbor? It seems to me that instead of looking for the things that divide
us, we ought to spend more time celebrating the One we have in common.
When I see a teenager with a Christian shirt I give him a smile and
thumbs up. When I pass a car with a fish logo on it's trunk I toot the horn
and wave. I don't care what church they go to. I am not concerned if they
are conservative or progressive. If they believe in Jesus, then we are rooting
for the same team. So let's find ways to get together and celebrate our faith
so that the world may know that we are one in Christ.
Gooooo Jesus! See you in Church. Cal
November 17, 2010
He had on a number 92 James Harrison black and gold jersey. We formed
an instant bond. He couldn't have been much more than twelve years old
but when I passed him and said, "Go Steelers!" He smiled and gave me
thumbs up. Even though we had never met before, we shared something
very special. We were both part of Steelers' Nation.
He turned to his dad and said, "That man likes the Steelers too!" I smiled
as I settled into my seat and thought about how being a fan of a sports team
is a very special thing. When you are a fan, it doesn't matter how old you
are, what color skin you have, where you live, or how much money you
make. You share something very unique with untold others. When you meet
on the street, in a restaurant or at a game you become instant buddies.
Ask any Boston Red Sox fan about 1978 or 2004 and you will see tears
come to their eyes. Ask a New York Jets fan about Willie Joe Namath and
you will get a smile. Ask a New England Patriot fan, "Who is better Tom
Brady or Peyton Manning?" and you will get an earful. Fans know who they
believe in and are quite clear as to who their enemy is. It's always the guy
on the other team who loses out.
I've heard Yankee fans argue about who was better, Jeter or Scooter, and
then laugh and agree that both were great in their day. The New York Giant
fans may debate as to which quarterback, Phil Simms or Eli Manning has
more talent. Yet, when the shouting stops they both cheer, "Go Giants."
That's the beauty of sports. It's our team against the rest of the world.
As I sat there eating my grinder, sadness came over me. I wondered why
it isn't always the same way with Jesus' followers. I've seen Christians
caught up in angry disputes with other Christians. What may have begun as
a disagreement about the way we interpret scripture quickly turns into a
battle of wills. Instead of celebrating our common faith, they walk away
bitterly divided. No wonder the world seems to be turning away from the
church.
Didn't Jesus say that they will know we are in him by our love? Isn't the
defining mark of one who believes in Christ, a love of God and love of
neighbor? It seems to me that instead of looking for the things that divide
us, we ought to spend more time celebrating the One we have in common.
When I see a teenager with a Christian shirt I give him a smile and
thumbs up. When I pass a car with a fish logo on it's trunk I toot the horn
and wave. I don't care what church they go to. I am not concerned if they
are conservative or progressive. If they believe in Jesus, then we are rooting
for the same team. So let's find ways to get together and celebrate our faith
so that the world may know that we are one in Christ.
Gooooo Jesus! See you in Church. Cal
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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