Honor should mean more. Sometimes I think people have gone crazy.”
–Louis L’Amour (Utah Blaine)
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
–Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
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There was a time, many years ago, that we had a person attending our church over to eat and watch the Super Bowl. (I used to watch it back then.) I never had such a miserable time. He screamed, ranted and raved calling plays and telling them how they should play. By the end of the game he couldn’t even speak; which I thought was fine. These people are known as “armchair quarterbacks” and it doesn’t just have to be football.
But I’m thinking that there are plenty of “armchair Christians” in the world. They are like the “enthusiastic fan” who thinks they know everything, but never have actually gotten into the game. They know the players and maybe even their stats, but don’t know the difference between an infield single and a fielder’s choice. In reality, this fan, this person is an outsider. He doesn’t participate in the hard work, sacrifice, joys and sorrows of the team. No matter how involved he is in cheering, he really cannot enjoy much except to watch; that is his pleasure.
Ask most Americans and they will say they are Christians. Hmmm. I like what I read from a Navy Chaplain, Don C. Alexander, “‘What team am I on? Am I really on God’s team?’ You may know a great deal more religious history and doctrine than the average person but still not be on the team. Once a person identifies himself with Christ, he must either assume the full responsibility which the name bears or be guilty of blasphemy. As a sports fan one would not think of approaching the manager of the team and announcing that he as a fan wanted a share of the honor because he knew the statistics and attended all the games. Could you on an equally flimsy basis stand before Almighty God and claim a Christian reward?”
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Ponder This: Never cut what you can untie.