Guys at Soccer Match by Ingrid Muller at free images.com
Christianity is not a spectator sport. Sadly, many Christians can act like it is! We come sit in churches and watch the worship. We judge and discuss the performance of the preacher. We critique the singing. Then we leave only to return the next week to watch it all again. Most Christians are not actively involved in the work of the church. Many sit on the sidelines grateful for what others in the church are doing to keep the church work going, but they rarely participate. Many potential leaders refuse to accept a leadership role because of the criticism and heavy responsibilities, but everyone is willing to play arm chair quarterback with what the leaders should have done.
Do you see how we often act and live like the church is a spectator sport? Many sincere Christians fail to realize they are in the game! Paul compared the Christian to an athlete. He tells us to run that we may obtain the prize. We are not to run aimlessly, but to run with purpose (1 Cor. 9:24-27). We are in the game! The Hebrews writer encouraged the saints by reminding them they are “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1). Many long distance races end with the competitors coming into the arena for the final lap. This expression in Hebrews 12:1, gives us this same concept for our spiritual lives. We are the ones running the race. We are not in the stands! The faithful from ages past are depending upon us to run the race and carry on the banner of faith. They are cheering us on in our faith and work. We are not spectators, we are the ones in the arena being watched!
Christians must feel this burden. We must be willing to get in the game. You are going to have losses and triumphs. The race will have its ups and downs. It will involve all kinds of emotions and challenges. But we are called to run the race. We are not called to watch the race! Are you a runner or a spectator?
