Play Ball

When I was younger I never gave the importance of attending church much thought. It seemed to me that church was there for me to get fed and recharged. I was not concerned if I missed a service here or there, or if I skipped several weeks in a row. I mean the same people were there talking about the same things right? Well, thankfully, many years have passed and I no longer feel quite that way. Do I think its okay to miss church now and then? Absolutely! But, I’m even more thankful that the Lord has shown me that church is not about me, it’s about Him. It’s about being encouraged and equipped for certain, but it’s also about encouraging and serving others even more.

The cry “Play Ball” went out everywhere last month and our numbers in the children’s programs have taken a noticeable dip in attendance. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “He’s going to criticize me for taking my child to a baseball or soccer game on Sunday morning or Wednesday night.” No, not exactly. I have been involved in athletics for most of my life, so I certainly understand the importance of relying on others in order to win.

As parents, we are given Biblical instruction to raise a child in the way he should go and they will not depart from it. In truth, there are some things that sports or other programs will teach our children that we simply can’t do on our own. The team concept and structure of learning to rely on others is a vital ingredient in placing ones faith in Christ. Until a child sees his utter sinfulness and need of a savior, they simply won’t see the urgency or need of salvation. Realizing that they can’t “win” without Jesus is a necessary fundamental and a good concept taught in sports.

Now it is true from my own personal and highly biased perspective, I wish there were no games played on Sundays or Wednesdays, but such is our society today. We are subject to schedules and time constraints. Yet, we need to remember and remind ourselves that we are to be in the world, but not of the world. Taking a stand for what is right is never easy. Teaching our children to take a stand is even harder. As parents, we need to consistently and constantly balance our children’s schedules to ensure that they have opportunities to grow but also to develop a strong passion and desire for God.