Pick A Team

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:15

As I type this post we’re just hours from tip-off of the MSU Texas Tech NCAA Final Four game.  I have made some great friends in Lubbock  and I’ve rooted for the Red Raiders throughout the whole tournament but tonight there is a dividing line and I’m typing in green!  I just have to pick the Spartans tonight because one of my favorite priests always says, “MSU is where Jesus went to school!” 

Tonights game is just one of the many places we divide ourselves and take sides.  Sometimes the divisions are light hearted and fun; other times they can be completely serious. As humans we fuss and argue and pick sides but as Children of God, we need to come together and find our voice in this crazy world.  We need to remember we’re all fighting AGAINST the same thing…evil!  If we could remember who are leader is and follow him together the world could be very different.  

I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes us choose the things we do.  Sometimes it’s a family thing, sometimes it’s a political thing or a financial thing that influences our choices.  Sometimes we’re pressured into making choices and picking sides. I ran across this quote shortly before the NCAA tournament began and it just stuck to my heart.  When it comes to the most important “side” or “choice” we can pick there is no pressure, no requirements, no loss whatsoever.  The outcome will be perfect and generous and loving and compassionate and amazing.  When you pick God, there is only truth and he’s always right there waiting  for us to pick him and allow him to transform everything!  This little nugget of comfort and hope was written by Fr. Cantalamessa who is the preacher to the papal household.  I hope it sticks you your heart too and helps you pick the team that will always finish first…the team that follows Jesus!

He it is, the Only Begotten of the Father, who stands before the human race today and says: Be still, and know that I am God. (Ps 46:11) He does not plead for it, he does not beg for faith and recognition, as so many pseudo-prophets and founders of empty religions do.  He does not say. “Believe me, please, be kind enough to listen,” but he says: “Know that I am God!” Whether you believe it or not, I am God!

A Seed To Plant:  Think of the “teams” you are a part of and then compare the amount of time you devote to that team to the amount of time you devote to being on Christ’s disciple squad.  Make adjustments as needed.​

Blessings on your day!