Several years ago I played in a church recreational basketball league. It was one really tiny part recreational, one small part church and every bit BASKETBALL. It was recreational in that we got some exercise, it was church because we played the games in a church gymnasium and because we could only participate in the games if we memorized Scripture and it was BASKETBALL because that was the real reason we were there!
I came across a YouTube video the other day that I thought illustrated the flaws I saw in our league, and to be honest, the errors I quite often seen in my own theology.
Check out this two-minute section of a sermon by Francis Chan:
Over my 20 plus years of being a Christian I can certainly tell you that I’ve studied, parsed and memorized many Scriptures more than I’ve tried to apply them.
Sometimes it’s the simple reminders like this one from Francis Chan that help me put things back in perspective. While memorization is great and going to church is great, it really is about getting into the game that matters.
Let’s engage the Scriptures and get into our church (or youth group), but let’s be about applying the Scriptures in our everyday life.
If you’re looking for a place to start, let’s start with the way that Jesus summarized the entire Scripture.
Love Him.
Love others.
Simple reminders of ways to love God:
- Spend time hearing from Him (read His Word)
- Talk to Him (prayer)
- Praise Him (worship through song and prayer)
- Listen to what others say about Him (sermons, Podcasts, etc.)
Simple reminders of ways to love others:
- Build up and encourage other Christians (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Spend time with and serve those in need (James 1:27)
- Share the gospel with those who do not know Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Set an example to all (1 Timothy 4:12)
What are some other simple ways we all should be reminded about how to love God and love others?
Only disciples even play “Jesus says” much less obey it. How many of us have even been made into disciples? What compels you to obey Jesus when you’ve heard it so clearly?
Great reminder, Brian. I think I can memorize what you just wrote. Now, doing something about it… that’s the real crux. That’s the challenge… living to make me smarter or living for others. Does God need smarter disciples? Isn’t that what the pharisees were? Or, does God need those who will DO what he says? Didn’t Jesus say that those who DO what He tells them are the ones that really LOVE him (John 14:23; 1 John 5:3)?
Do I demonstrate my love for God by what I do? Wow. Lord, give me the courage to LIVE out your commands!