Sitting on the Sidelines

Been gone awhile. Enjoying Resurrection Sunday and the grace that Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection provides. Regrouping. Resting.

I grew up in the suburban area of Louisville, Ky. When I was growing up, I always thought that my cousins or friends from church that lived “downtown” or in the “west end” were much cooler and hipper than I was. I was fascinated with the ‘hood and always tried to find ways to identify myself with it. In other words, I felt like I was living on the outskirts of “real life.” Now I realize that I was being deceived into coveting another person’s life and that many of those same cousins and friends from church were probably wishing that they could escape their lives and live on the outskirts with me. I guess we both thought the grass was greener on the other side.

However, as I was thinking about this…I realized that there was something great that I learned from feeling like I was on the “outskirts.” While I shouldn’t have coveted those who lived in a different place than me as a child…that experience did teach me that we should never live on the outside of our lives…on the outskirts wondering when we can get into the action. The sidelines is not a long term place for the people of God. God has called us all to a destiny filled with very specific assignments and part of being obediant to that call is stepping out on faith and getting IN IT. Get in the middle of your life. and..LIVE IT! Sitting on the outskirts hoping, wishing, and yes, even praying for something that you know God has already told you to do…doesn’t do anything to further you or the Kingdom of God. Faith without Works is dead according to the book of James. True faith will lead you to actions that are going to grow your faith and the faith of those that are around you.

Aren’t you sick and tired of sitting on the sidelines of your life? I know I was. Let’s get in the game and play it…together…with God as our coach…until the very end.

TML