Jun 09, 2010
Whistle Blowers, Spectators and Players
Posted by Mitch Sliwa in Gospel Identity - Mission | Comments (5)
In sporting events there are people who play the game, referees who make sure the players play by the rules and people who sit in the stands and watch. The referees and spectators never feel the sting of defeat, the excitement of winning or the struggle involved in training for the sport. The spectators and referees are very similar in this aspect because they are not involved in doing, they just simply watch.
The referees are involved to one degree or another, but not in the same way that the players are involved. The referees don't have the same goal or intention as the players, they are simply there to make sure the game is played properly and to blow their whistles when the players commit infractions to the rules. All of their time is spent looking at other people and ensuring that they don't break the rules.The spectators are only involved from a distance. They don't play the game, they don't blow the whistle but just sit back and watch the events that transpire. The player is the only one of the 3 that actually gets involved and does something in the game.
Many Christians fall prone to 2 of these defects which are a sign of immaturity. Last week Todd preached on Phillipians 3:12-21 in a sermon called "I Press On" which you can download or listen to here. In this sermon he spoke about Christians being called to maturity in Christ and following after the example of Paul and Jesus. Some Christians like myself have fallen pray and have become the "whistle blower" Christians. I did not involve myself in Christian community or live out the Christian life very well but what I did do was watch all of the Christians around me and judge them in my heart. I made sure to frequent Christian blogs and websites to attack them through blogging and sending nastygrams via email, blowing the whistle on infractions I felt they needed to know about. I spent the predominance of my time typing on Facebook and being a keyboard tough guy instead of actually living out the Gospel, repenting of sin, loving my wife and actually doing what Jesus told me to do.
I have also fallen prey to being a spectator Christian. I watched other Christians participate in living out the Gospel, repent of sin, love Jesus and be on mission but I was not interested. I would much rather spend my time watching them. It was much more safe to not get involved in community and build relationships. I did not want to feel the sting of relationship failure and the negative repercussions of my own sin. It is much easier to ride the pew and avoid people after the Sunday gathering than it is to get involved in community where people know me and my sin.
I would encourage anyone reading this to avoid the pitfalls I have experienced and get into community where the Gospel is lived out, people repent of sin, love Jesus, love their wives, raise kids and live on mission. If you aren't in a church that allows you to get involved into community, make your own community or join a local body that does. If you are interested in learning how to live out the Gospel, Sacred Journey will be a starting a 9 week series this coming Weds and Thurs. Click herefor more info.
Posted by Mitch Sliwa in Gospel Identity - Mission
