Monday Quarterback
Those that love football will recognize this phrase. It means that the day after the game has been played, after everyone has watched the game and the replays, often in slow motion, all of a sudden they think they are the experts with all the answers. There is also a phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20". That means that we can usually see things much more clearly after things have already taken place. After all, we know who the players are, what complications might come up, what the desired outcome should be, and no one can double check our strategy because it is already past. Now in church, it is not a Monday quarterback, but rather a Sunday Planner. We talk about what God has done based on His word. We talk about who we should be and what we should be doing. Just as a Monday Quarterback can’t change the past, the Sunday Planner doesn’t seem to take the message forward. In both cases, the end result is not worth that much. Knowing about Jesus is worth very little if we don’t live out that faith... in our homes, among friends, and in the community. There is no point looking back at what was done if we are not willing to learn and take it forward to others that need to know. We need to change that image. Church is not to be the end of the week where we unwind, but the beginning of the week where we are encouraged and equipped. There is no point to dig into His word if we are also not interested in putting it into practice. We can probably all think of people that started a project only to give up on it. They may have bought a lot of the parts and studied the necessary books, only to stare blankly at what they never completed. Maybe it is an incomplete novel, a quilt that hasn’t been finished, am old car that sits in the garage, a pile of lumber that has not been made into that desired project. That describes far too many Christians today... some knowledge, some desire, but we fall back into silence again. I believe we need to first be faithful in prayer, seeking God’s will and praying for wisdom. I believe we then need to be in God’s word to grow in faith and understanding. Somewhere in the midst of that, God will speak... will direct your heart... will use you to bring Him glory. We need to break bad habits and learn good ones. Lord, help us to get out of our rut and focus our heart on what is important to You. Stir in each of us. Amen