It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. “Be
like Billy,” an old SNL skit used to tell us. How may ate their Wheatie’s until
Bruce Jenner became Brenda, or is it Bridgit? We all ate Wonder Bread to build
our young bodies 12 ways, try to imagine Nike without Mikey? The numbers we
chose when playing sports were all based on our heroes, 24 for Willie Mays, 12
in football for Joe Namath, and 12 for basketball. Heavy Joe Willie Namath
crossover. We make so many decisions based on others, to emulate them, to
somehow get a boost just by wearing their number. We all have our heroes, and
when they let us down, we make excuses for them. Such is hero worship, such is
idol worship. But few players, really entertainers on a field instead of a
stage, give back like a lesson, like the one from Joe D. From Joe DiMaggio.
Joltin’ Joe, the Yankee Clipper, who once hit in 56 straight games-no one else
has come close. One day in a game with the Yankees well ahead, he ran out full
speed a meaningless ground ball to short. When asked in the dugout why, he
explained “because maybe someone in the stands had never seen Joe DiMaggio play
before.” Most unlike watching Barry Bonds one afternoon, turn an opponents
single into a double, twice, by not hustling. And so we cheer our heroes, buy
the products they endorse, and follow them, hoping that somehow the association
with them makes us successful. Making excuses for them. Loved, or at least
liked.
Now fans also boo, and with losses come fewer fans, more excuses, and fewer
endorsements. But booing many times can have the same affect as cheering when
you boo your opposition. Some bask in the booing, knowing it is really a
compliment form your opponent, recognizing who you are. Giving you credit for
past accomplishments, hoping you fail, which then brings cheers of relief.
Nobody wants to lose, that is not why we play the game. But in our victories we
often make enemies, and their booing is a compliment. Perhaps Reggie Jackson
said it best, Mr. October himself, who when the fans booed, was spurred onto
greater things. His simple comment, “fans don’t boo nobodies,” gives insight as
to who he was, what he meant to his team, and what a competitor he really was.
He may have taken on reporters, pitchers, team mates, Billy Martin, and even
George Steinbrenner, but Reggie liked to win, to be the man in the moment. He
lived for the glory, and often delivered, earning adulation from both the
applause of his fans, and the booing of his enemies. If only we were so smart,
and a little more humble.
Today many speak of unity in the church. I am invited to worship with like
minded men. Free speech has come to mean say whatever you want, as long as you
agree with me. Clubs form common bounds, from bike brand to territory to riding
or cruising. We all want to be united with someone, or something, and many look
to the church. Which is too many times a dividing factor, when confused with
God. Yet many well meaning Christians and other pulpit people insist we must
unite, we must have unity. And even quote Jesus, but do so incorrectly.
Jesus came to separate the sheep from the goats. To save us the sheep, and
separate us from those going to hell. The goats. To live in this world, but
not be a part of it. Yet many will live as monks, sequestered from society,
only hang around with Christians, and only shop at Christian businesses,
becoming cult like. Neglecting Jesus who tells us to be salt and light in a
dying world. So many want to be like Jesus, from their bumper stickers to their
crosses around their necks, they want a form of Godliness, yet they don’t want
Jesus. Noah got it, when leaving the ark the first thing he did was bow and
give thanks. How many of us would have looked for a place to eat? Or started
complaining, or making plans? Yet Noah sought God first, like we need too. And
in Jesus we find the example of unity, unity in the spirit. Where we need to
seek him and agree with him, not bring him down to our level. Not making
excuses, but showing love tenderly by telling the truth, again tenderly. All
the way to the cross, then to heaven, and as we wait for his return, we still
worship him, as he changes us from within.
No one takes Buddha, or Mohhamed’s name in vain. They have followers, but
they are not God. They are nobodies, and like Reggie says, “ no one boos
nobodies.” Maybe in cursing Jesus they give more credence to his words and
actions than many of our praises. Jesus is the ultimate somebody, we all once
booed him, but through salvation, he has made a way. The way to his father in
heaven, the way to eternal life, instead of eternal damnation. No one else
promised that, or can deliver that. Only Jesus. Booing Jesus like they did in
front of Pilate, maybe more of a recognition of who he was than of all those who
earlier in the week shouted “hosanna.” And it goes on today...
Do you honor Jesus by praising or by booing? Both tell us who he is, but
also tell us who you are. Only Jesus can and will forgive. All other heroes
have retired, Jesus still lives. The choice you get to make is sheep or goat?
Will you be a winner in Christ, or strike out in the big game becoming a goat?
One pitch can make you a hero, one missed foul shot a goat. One completed pass
can make you a star, one dropped pass a loser. Become the winner you need to
be, you want to be in Jesus Christ today. And live for him, loving when the
odds are against you, seeing how he turns defeat into victory. Live life as if
no one has seen him before, and by seeing you may see God, and desire him more.
Run out the meaningless ground balls, for we show our true character in mundane
daily chores and more in defeat. Be united in the spirit, true unity, and watch
as the things of God become more familiar. Some will cheer, some will boo, both
will recognize Christ in you. Jesus assures us when we are booed, they are
really booing him. Make sure he is the one on your cereal box, the number on
your back, the sticker on your bumper. Be like Jesus, loving, forgiving,
caring, and compassionate.
Some choose to live everyday as a life and death game. Be assured you will
see a lot death that way. We don’t win every battle, we do win the war. Fans
don’t boo nobodies, if you are booed, persecuted, or hated, you must have made
an impact somewhere. Someone saw Jesus in you. Jesus rode into Jerusalem a
hero, and was crucified as a loser. Only his real fans knew the difference.
Are you booing or cheering at the cross? Has your walk upset others enough to
hate you? Keep going, don’t drop your cross. Your reaction will tell more than
your actions. After all, cheering and booing are both reactions aren’t they?
And both may be a better indication of who Jesus is in your life than we want to
know.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com