From Buffet to Couch

The big day arrives. . .Super Bowl Sunday.  People gather to be a part of a celebration.  As the house fills, seat availability diminishes and food accumulates to create a smorgasbord.  Participation level varies from person to person.  Labels could be given to describe the intensity of one’s dedication to the game. 

First, we have those coming to truly watch the game.  With eyes glued to the screen, they do not miss a play.  They intensely watch each call, flag thrown, play ran and touchdown accomplished.  They hang onto every word spoken from the commentator.  The dedication level exceeds any other guest. 

Second, we have those coming for the entertainment of commercials.  While the time clock counts down, play after play, they wait for the ‘good part’ of the event.  They disregard the commentator’s words.  Some may not even realize the meaning of a thrown flag or amount of points received for each touchdown.  They simply come to be entertained by the fun messages via commercials.

Lastly, we have those coming for food and socialization.  The moment kickoff occurs, they can be found by the buffet.  They taste test every dish, write down recipes of those enjoyed and catch up on all the gossip.  The individuals in this category may not even know what a football looks like unless the cheese-ball were decorated as such.  They do not clue into the game nor care about the outcome.  They just want to see and be seen by friends. 

Whether you fit into the dedicated followers of the game, the side-liners only waiting for the fun commercials or the group keeping close to the food; all fill the home for the big celebration.  Conversations Monday morning at work depend on which category you fall.  The first will discuss play by play and sharpen one another’s knowledge on the game.  The second will laugh about and feel uplifted by the commercials.  And still the third group will share favorite foods and pass on gossip heard throughout the evening.

No matter how hard the latter two groups try, they will not become like the first if they remain in the same positions year after year.  One could quote every commercial word for word, but never be a follower of the actual game.  One could eat every food shaped like a football or even wear the colors of the winning team, but never understand the meaning of the game.  It takes dedication throughout the season to understand the capacity of the game.  It takes intense studying of plays, calls and penalties to understand the direction of the game.  It takes patience as the clock counts down to wait for the end results and the trophy distribution. 

The same goes for becoming a Christ follower.  Many attend church on Sunday; unfortunately not all fall in to the first category – dedicated to the Word, hanging onto each teaching from the minister and intensely studying the Word.  The first category will patiently wait for the Lord to speak clearly and focus on any ‘flag’ thrown.  They receive discipline to better follow the Lord and run the play set before them.

Then, we have some who attend Sundays only to hear the ‘good parts’ of the preaching.  They don’t want to hear what changes need be made to become more like Christ.  They disregard any preaching which asks for evaluation of the heart.  They may not even realize how the Word can guide, guard and direct the game of life.  They just want to ‘feel’ good about coming to church and leave it at that.

The third category comes only to be seen and see friends.  They stick closely to the back, sign up for all the social events and sneak out in time to miss the parking lot traffic.  Plus, they want to get to the local restaurant before a line forms. 

The latter two will not become like the first if they remain in the same positions week after week with the same mentality toward God.  Quoting Scripture word for word is great; but if not living it out, then we are not followers.  Attending all social events and wearing Christian gear is awesome; but failing to understand the meaning behind the Word leaves us trailing far behind.

It takes dedication daily to understand the capacity of your life.  It takes intense studying of the Word, accepting discipline and prayer to understand the direction God holds for your life.  It takes patience to receive the prize waiting in Heaven for you.

Will you begin today to move from the buffet to the couch?  Your vision will clear, wisdom grows and indescribable peace develops.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig