The San Diego, I mean Los Angeles, I mean La Chargers, are now 0-4 starting
there first season at their new home in Carson. Sharing a soccer stadium, it
holds less than half of what Qualcomm used to, and they still cannot fill it.
And those in attendance yesterday were more for the Eagles than the Chargers,
it’s amazing what a billionaire can do to a sports team only a few years. After
holding San Diego, aka America’s Finest City hostage for paying for unfilled
seats, then trying to get them to buy him a stadium, which a weak mayor tried to
get passed, fortunately it only cost $2 million to find out we can get by
without the Chargers, and that Los Angeles doesn’t need them. Nor want them,
the only attraction being the lines are shorter than at Disneyland just down the
road, but the team is the reason for it. A one hit wonder, Philip the “Whiner”
Rivers, and his many facial expressions, if Disneyland calls, he should answer.
“Yes, I’ll take the job,” and not worry about keeping his day job. We’re
not.
I am not a gambling man, but last season I had a 12-4 record choosing the
Chargers to lose, I am 4-0 this year. If stats could win games, they would be
4-0, but he who scores the most and gives up the least wins, so La Chargers are
still winless. And as the coach, who is wondering why he ever took the job in
the first place said, “I don’t know if we are tough enough to play in the NFL.”
Maybe he can use Phil the Non Thrill to get him a job at Disneyland.
Fantasyland calls.....But a truth emerges throughout the scenario, there are
those that put up good stats, and those that find a way to win. With La
Chargers playing just good enough to find a way to lose every week. No self
respecting kid would ask his Charger playing father “Daddy how was work today?”
as no one wants to think of their dad as a loser. Next week, next game, next
season, next owner, La Chargers are pathetic, but maybe the truth is like an old
sign hanging on the fence at a redneck’s home, “never mind the dog, beware of
the owner.” Eli Manning knew it, now you do too.
I have found that the man at the top, the one in charge usually sets the
personality or tone for a team, family, business, or church. I once saw Bob
Baker, “Mr. It’s so Nice to be Nice” chewing out an employee in the showroom, I
lost all respect for him, say one thing, do another. I have seen well meaning
people get put down because they didn’t fit in, only to find they were the ones
who fit in with God, not the other way around. They didn’t dress as well, speak
as well, drive the right car, know the right wine for fish or meat, they thought
they were coming to church to worship God, but found out different. So maybe La
Chargers come by it naturally, as if it is OK in church, it must be OK with
God. And nothing could be farther from the truth. I know of good families who
religiously pay their tithes to the church, thinking they are giving to God, but
find out differently. They brag inside about how much they give, and many times
the church gives them preferential treatment. A lesson learned when a baby
Christian,a girlfriend’s father who used to give a lot, withdrawing his tithes
when he didn’t get his way in the building program. So much for being a
cheerful giver. I know a pastor who brags about his father’s seat in church,
and how he has chased new visitors from it when they didn’t know it was his
seat. And never came back. We read in Psalms where the author cries out to
know God better, and finds all he needs there. Yet some choose to recognize the
church, thinking they are God, instead of God being God. When we don’t match up
to the word, we are wrong, not God. A new building, more programs, processes,
and procedures won’t do it. New pastors steeped in tradition won’t cut it, and
a flock that will not change, won’t do it either. Only Jesus changes lives, and
like a sports team, when not winning, the fans will leave. Seems there is
always something there to gain their affection, but not always right or
righteous.
The Chargers might have changed cities, but are still La Chargers. A new
coach and new players may help for a while, but when the same owner is the same,
nothing will change. Only their fan base does, and will. Without a new heart
we will not change either, we will still be mired in religion and tradition.
But where is Jesus in all this? Some may wonder where is he hiding? Why
doesn’t he do something? And miss the fact he did, and is. When you play just
good enough to lose, you still lose. Whether by one or 20, you still lose. And
many are missing out on God that way, sticking with a church when it is sinking,
and they know it. But my father went here, we a have season tickets, I know the
pastor, my kids are on the worship team...all excuses for losing. When the
spirit gives a better way...
We will not win every battle or every game. The Bible doesn’t promise
that, but it does say we will win the war. We race to get the prize, and in
losing we get stronger, as we see the need for God in all situations. God
doesn’t play favorites, so get over your looks, talent, and finances. Someone
is always better looking, has more talent, and has more money. But we can all
have all that Jesus offers, but first we must know we are wrong and change. And
expect a battle to ensue, for you were won for a price, and the devil doesn’t
want to give you up. But you will win, and see the grace of God while doing
it. If God asked for you resume of being a Christian, what would yours say? Do
you brag on church, or on Jesus? Are your stories all filthy rags, or do they
reflect Jesus in your life? Are you spirit driven or man driven? Do you know
the difference? When the disciples asked Jesus what is the work of God, he told
them he was the work of God, and to believe on him. If I came into your church,
could I have the best seat? Would you give Jesus the preeminence? Money may
buy you a football team, only winning gets you fans. Is your walk one of
excuses or one of testimonies? Are you living life good enough to win, but
really just good enough to lose? Stats, and goodwill does not win a place in
heaven, knowing Jesus does. Looking back, sadly our works will match our heart
for God, that ought to bum out some of us. But it doesn’t have to be that
way...
If you think your good works and church participation will get you to
heaven, you are wrong. Jesus is the way, the only way. Simple so we can do it,
free so we can afford it. Maybe a good way to describe the life of Jesus is “he
got ‘er done,” no excuses, he loved us more than we will ever know. He took one
for the team, as the saying goes, and when defeat seemed eminent, rose from the
grave in victory. Even the least on the team who wins the Super Bowl gets a
ring, based on being part of the team, not on their stats. Being part of the
family of God assures us heaven, and with Jesus we can have it now, on earth as
it is in heaven. Driven by the holy spirit, that makes the difference.
Listening to La Chargers yesterday, the question was asked “are you looking
forward to next season?” Are you? Or are you still seeking that first victory
today? Have you given up hope of the playoffs, and toss it all away? Jesus is
that half time pep talk, and we don’t have to wait until half time. Quit living
just good enough to lose, and start with Jesus. No more excuses, no blaming the
devil, you don’t give him credit for your victories too do you? And quit
blaming God, he let’s the decision be yours. Forget the stats and play the game
of life to win, go with Jesus. Or you can do like the sign said yesterday,
“Dean if you want to see a sell out, look in the mirror.” I see Jesus in my
mirror, and everywhere I look, who you see is who you will follow. And all
without instant replay....which of course you would love to see of your life,
but would you sit with God and watch it?
What did Eli Manning know? Two Super Bowls later we know, Rivers has
better stats, but no ring. Some play the game, some play to win. Some for a
paycheck....playing just good enough to lose. You know the difference, don’t
forget we do too. And of course, God does too....now about that new church, I
mean stadium...
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com