I am writing this article in the middle of March Madness (basketball season finals). I have not been much of a basketball fan in the past; however, I have found an interest in learning more about it because of Andy’s participation in the sport. As I have been learning about the game I have (you know me) begun to realize that theology is all around us…even in basketball. So I would like to share a few theological insights that I have received while watching basketball.
- Everyone has a common goal, which is getting the ball in the basket. As Christians we are encouraged to have a common goal of “seeking first the Kingdom of God.” If we live and work together with a common goal, we will find that we can accomplish so much more as a faith community than as individuals.
- Teamwork is valued – everyone has a role, purpose, and function. We are reminded that we are the body of Christ and that each one of us has unique and special spiritual gifts that enable and equip us to do the work of God. We can’t do it alone, we have to work together.
- There is accountability – the referees will blow a whistle if you double dribble, or travel, or other things. (They have hand signals for all that stuff.) In life we are also held accountable for our spiritual formation. We don’t have people blowing whistles around us when we get off the path, but we do have friends that hold us in prayer and invite us to grow in our faith walk.
- It is normal to foul occasionally – it happens in the middle of the heat of the game when someone might just do something that is considered a foul. The reality is that in our daily faith journey we can foul as well. Maybe we say something that is hurtful, or unthinking, or we bump into something or step on someone’s toes without being aware. We create fouls as we live out our daily lives as normal human beings.
- There are moments for reconciliation after a foul through a free throw shot (I think that is what it is called) and the game goes on. It might be a good example of how we can live out forgiveness in our midst. Name the foul, find a way to find justice, and then move on with life.
- Slow the game down – sometimes the speed of the game can get so fast that the players are playing ‘out of control’ and then the team isn’t able to get the right shot in and they aren’t thinking as clearly. There is a signal that someone makes that says, slow down the pace. It makes me wonder if sometimes God might be giving us a signal to say, slow down a little. It’s like God is saying, “I know everything is running pretty fast, but you are not functioning at the level that I created you to be.” Take a few moments, breathe, get in touch with the rest of the team, listen to your coach (the Holy Spirit) and move along at a better pace for the person he created you to be.
Ok, I know some might think it is a character flaw in me that I can’t go anywhere, or do anything without seeing God involved. Maybe it isn’t a character flaw…maybe it’s a blessing…at any rate, whatever it is, I invite you to just think about some of the lessons we can learn from our daily activities…lessons that might help us grow as individuals, and as a faith community…lessons that might help us make the world better place for all of us. Remember, God is all around us and God is constantly trying to communicate God’s plan for our lives. Who knows where we can find lessons from God next? Could it be in a grocery store, or a classroom at school, or possibly doing simple chores around the house? I guess our challenge is to look to see God, listen to hear God, and learn to serve God.
Glory Be to God,
Pastor Kathleen
