May 12, 2008 - Winning On The Road

The 2nd round of the NBA playoffs is quite predictable so far. Up to this point only the “home” team has won a game. No one seems to be able to handle playing “on the road.”
The reasoning you keep hearing players mention is the fact that they have the “home” crowd cheering for them and it is pumping them up.

For guys making millions of dollars to play a game that seems a bit strange to me. I understand that it is nice to have the support of the people around you; but when it comes down to it that shouldn’t be an excuse for poor “road” performance. These guys are established players and should be able to face the adversities of the opponent’s arena.

Yet this is indicative of the modern church as a whole. We love to “play at home.” We get together for our church services and big conferences. We hear the roar of the crowds. We get excited and sing loud. We may even jump up and down. We say the right things and boldly proclaim the name of Christ.

But when we go “on the road” we shut down. We may still avoid doing bad things but we are not aggressive and bold with our faith like we are in front of the “home crowd.” We may even blend in so much that people are not sure which “team” we are on.

It is time for us to “win on the road”! We don’t have to bring others into our “arena” to make a difference. Listen, I am all for good music and exciting programs; but they are far too often a substitute for reaching out and winning in the “opponent’s arena.”

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5)