In the stands––or in the game?
By Mark Lubbock
“You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”
––James 2:24
In Not A Fan, author Kyle Idleman describes the difference between a “fan” and a “follower”. Jesus does not want “admirers,” says the pastor. He wants “followers,” people who do what He does.
Kyle likens the church, where folks sit in the pews, to fans who sit on the sidelines at sporting events. Neither are in the game. To be sure, disciples should be in the pew during worship, but they need to do more than attend worship services.
By definition, a disciple is a “doer”. James 2:22 states: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” This means that we should read and apply God’s Word to our daily lives, not just when we are in the pews on Sunday mornings.
Men should lead by example in the homes, workplaces and communities, making the Bible their standard for living.
The practical way to gather the spiritual tools to become “doers” is through small accountability groups with other men. Activities for couples are important, but there is no substitute for engaging Jesus with other men.
Jesus discipled 12 men, who in turn did the same for others. The outcome is a 1st century faith that continues to offer hope in the 21st century.
Don’t let this faith fail on your watch. You and I share a responsibility to set the standards for our homes and communities. We also have the great opportunity to contribute to ministries that provide healing for a suffering world.
Each of us is a work in progress. The big question I ask myself is, “Am I growing in Christ?” Perhaps you are asking the same question.
We all will face Jesus at the end of our days, and we want to have a good conversation. Why not redouble your personal commitment to invest in your own spiritual growth today?
Mark Lubbock, a certified men’s ministry specialist and deployed staff member
General Commission on UM Men