What Is In It

  Bobby Jones was one of the most important men in the history of golf.  His skill, his accomplishments, his course design, his attitude, and sportsmanship are legendary. In its eulogy for Bobby Jones, the New York Times wrote, “He is the idol for those who love the game for what there is in it, not for what they can get out of it.

  I wonder if the same can be said for us in relation to the church.  Do we love what there is in it or what we can get out of it?

  Sometimes, it easy to see that attitude. Those that only show up for potlucks or have their hand out at every service.  The church is only a place to provide for my physical needs.

  Other times it is more subtle.  Those that come for the ‘entertainment’ factor. Give my kids something to do. Provide emotional support. Make me feel good.

  Do we love Christ’s Church or what we get out of it?

  Don’t get me wrong there are great benefits for being part of the kingdom of Christ. However is that all it is to us? What will happen then when it becomes difficult to be a Christian? When persecution comes, when trials occur, when it becomes a struggle. Do we then abandon our faith since we are no longer getting out of it what we once were?

  Or do we realize what there is in it? How salvation is found nowhere other than in Christ and his body? How in him are all spiritual blessings (Ephesian 1:3). The peace that passes all understanding. The hope of our calling.  The joy of our salvation.

  Do we love Christ for what is in Him or what we can get out of it?