The Holy Season

            It’s that time of year.  School is back in session, to the delight of some children and to the dismay of others.   But also that “holy” season has begun.  Football, that is.  I call it holy because so many people worship the game.  One definition of worship is “to render reverence and homage to.”  When something becomes the most important thing in one’s life and its focus, it is fair to say that the person worships that thing.  Some people focus on football all year long and donate great amounts of money to have the privilege of buying the best seats in the stadium for the season.

            Now, I admit that I, too, am a fan of football. 

As a child I listened to the radio broadcasts of the Alabama games and all of us little boys tried to duplicate the jump pass of Harry Gilmer.  My oldest daughter is a graduate of Auburn and is an avid Auburn fan, as is my other daughter (who graduated from Samford) and our grandsons.  Even my wife now roots for Auburn.  But neither of us could be said to worship the game.

            I haven’t checked actual statistics, but I would not be surprised if the millions of people who fill stadiums across the nation and the many more millions who watch football television broadcasts each fall weekend outnumber those who actually attend a worship service or watch one on television.

            Worship may not be the right word, but it would be great if we could generate that kind of passion for Christ and for His kingdom.

Grace and peace.

Praying for the Council

             I gave the opening Invocation for the Birmingham City Council meeting this past Tuesday week.  I appreciated the invitation and was glad to be there to represent our Lord and Central Park Baptist Church.  But the invitation presented me with a dilemma, “What do you pray for at the city council meeting.”

            Considering the state of local politics, many things suggested themselves to me.  But my opinion is that one should not pray a political prayer at a political meeting.  After all, God knows what would be best for the city.  But men, including myself, can certainly disagree on God’s opinion or leadership.   So I did not pray concerning any issues facing the city or council.  Neither did I thank God for my "smoking hot wife," nor end with "In Jesus Name, bogady, bogady, bogady," as did the fellow who prayed for an auto race.

            What I prayed was for the council to be guided by God’s wisdom, whether they want to be so guided or not.  I also prayed that God will bless the city and its people through their efforts.  And I prayed for God’s mercy and grace on the council members and their families.  God certainly knows they need it.

            And looking at the scene in the city, the county, the state and the nation, we all need to pray mightily for our leaders.  God has the answers to all our problems.  We must pray that our leaders discern His will, not their own or that of their political party.

Grace and peace.