watching sports

If you watch the news lately, it's hard not to know about the Under 20 World Cup being played in Canada right now. In case you don't know, the World Cup is the biggest sports event worldwide second only to the Summer Olympics. The Under 20 world cup basically showcases the talent of the up and coming soccer stars. In just about everywhere but North America, they would have no problem filling a stadium of 60000 for this event so perhaps rightly, this is a big deal.

I was fortunate enough to be one of the live fans on July 1st. After the frustration of standing in line and missing the first few minutes of the game, I was one of the people gripped by the level of play on the field. I'm not a soccer player and I don't think I've ever really watched a full game before but I must admit, this was pretty awesome. To be there watching it live with soccer fans all around is an experience I'll never forget. In my quest to see every sport played at its highest level, this is one I can cross off my list.

What I like about amateur sport - and this was no exception - is that it is so pure. Real genuine teamwork. A heart and passion to leave it all on the field each game. The line between success and failure is a matter of inches. Each goal that is scored is the best single moment in any athlete's life. Every defeat brings out a hunger to make it better next time (after the tears are wiped away). It's about as real human as we get.

In contrast, church can be so different. So phony. So individualistic. No one wanting to take a risk or a chance. No one talks about real life. No grace or forgiveness to help one another up to go make good next time. It can be so artificial, so routine, so sterile. When a goal is scored in any game I attend, I can't help but jump out of my seat screaming and looking for a high five. There's no worry about who's there and what I look like. So how come I don't do that during a baptism? This person has accepted Christ and crossed from death to life! The best I can do is a half hearted smile? What means more?

One of these days, if I get the guts, I might just have to preach with my face painted in God's colors.