About 20 years ago when 6 innings of softball took seven days to recover from, I decided I was more cut out to be a spectator then a participator. Between the pain in my knees, not being able to reach fly balls any more, and I dare you to prove they didn't move the bases another 5' apart just for me, I retired to the stands. With all the old people, kids too young to play, and where all the experts who never played but knew more than those of us who did resided. I was a stranger in a strange land for awhile, so I had to fit into their world, since I was the new kid in town. And even though I spoke the language, the interpretation was to come out different sometimes. But now looking back over the last 20 years, there are some advantages to spectating, that even when I was just warming a bench I couldn't take advantage of.
Football was once described as 11 men on the field in need of rest, while being watched by 40,000 people in need of exercise. So as I rested, I became one who needed exercise. Which I only got when it was my turn to go to the snack bar. If enough of your in need of exercise friends showed up, you may have to only make the trip once a game. While the rest of your new friends would each make an every inning run. Who says we didn't know all about teamwork? And as the ladies discussed such valuable items such as where to buy shoes and dresses, how to cheat another mother out of a better parking place when picking up their kids, and in-between "you're still eating!" comments, usually greeted by a grunt, if acknowledged at all, somehow the 70 minutes went fast. And you really weren't enjoying yourself, but for some reason couldn't get wait to get back, if only for more ammo to talk about your new peer group during the week. And to this day, I am still an avid spectator, which when added to my great skill of waiting in line, puts me into an elite group of men and women participating in the greatest of American sports. Ageless, color blind, and non-sex discriminating. I just hope that fat guy with his loud wife isn't there next week. Hey buddy, leave the oxygen tank and walker at home! "Honey, that man is sitting in my spot." Yup, watching is harder than I ever anticipated.
As in most things, I have also found in life some choose to only spectate, while others participate. A choice they make, and a choice sometimes they wish they hadn't. I marvel as I see the same folks in church each service, but never see them at any other church events. As spectators, they fill the pew, but eventually sit in their own PU. "I gave my 90 minutes to God," they think as they check off their attendance sheet, and bring their check. But sadly they never get out and get involved, and they never get to see where they tithe money goes. And inherent with this, they are always the first to complain about how it is spent. I prefer to participate. I want to be involved. I not only want to see where my money is going, I want to be part of it. When they talk about miracles that have happened, I am glad to say I was there. I am blessed to let God take me to nursing homes, hospitals, and rehab centers. I get to see people walk, learn to speak again, and so many times give their life to Christ. In church I get fed, on the street I feed others. I find I need both, but prefer to feed rather than be fed. But how do I get involved?
For years we attended the same church, and when God led us to another, we knew no one. And they didn't know us either, heh heh. So we signed up for a small group, and for discipling. But we actually met more people at the Harvest Festival. We took our bikes down, and while others just gave out candy, you got to sit on a motorcycle and then get candy. The line backed up at us, and soon moms, dads, and their kids left smiling. And encouraged to come to church. To learn about God. To see Jesus was not all rules and regulations to curtail your fun, but was there to encourage it and be part of it! And yes, motorcycles and those that ride them are welcome too! All in one busy afternoon, many were encouraged to go from spectator to participating. And enjoying the benefits that come with it. And soon spreading it to others-it is contagious!
I still spectate more than I should, but when out I am always looking for an opportunity to share the love of Christ. We let kids sit on our bikes, we wave to them in cars, and will talk to them when they ask questions. Kids get it, while parents hang back-must be something about leather and speed. But soon after the kids have warmed us up, the moms join in-why dads, are you always the last ones? For without talking to them, you will never have a conversation. With no conversation, no relationship. And with no relationship, no Jesus. All started because you got out and talked to others. You participated! And who doesn't want someone to compliment them on their ride?
Jesus only taught in the church. He spent His life on the road. Not a bad place to be. Both good places to be. And as He saw opportunities to minister, He did. So get off the bench today, and into the game of life. Get involved, and find out what you are missing! Exercise your faith in your daily life, and find yourself strengthened unlike no other exercise can do. Exercise your heart, which will wake up your mind, and then set your feet to walking. Or riding.
You tell me, which sounds better to you? "There goes Mike again on his motorcycle, wonder where he is off to now?" Or my view from the saddle, "poor Bill, still taking up space in the stands." If it works on the street, imagine how well it will work in church. You will never know until you try. Where you take up space is your choice. Keep that in mind when consider how it influences others. That seat you give up may not be the best one you ever had, you may just be getting the best seat in the house when you stop spectating-and get out and do it!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com