TheDiscipleMD

I don’t know why, but when someone famous passes away, it sets me into a pensive mood. Pensive, because when I hear of their passing, famous people are often cited for their body of professional work. A businessman is acclaimed for his industry. Someone from the arts for their creative mind or acting abilities. Athletes for their sports accomplishments, a singer for their songs, etc, etc., etc. A few years ago, I heard on the radio that George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, passed away at the age of 80. I only met Mr. Steinbrenner once, in 1985. He was the featured speaker at a conference I attended. He was full of life and lived up to his brash image. I noted that the stations that reported on his death highlighted his seven championships and his demand of excellence. He was known by his players as just “The Boss.” I really don’t know much about Mr. Steinbrenner’s life. I only know what I read of him in the papers. I understand he was very generous and helped many a troubled ballplayer. Some former players even said they felt he was a father to them. To me, those last qualities speak more of who he was than seven championships. And that is why the deaths of such men as Mr. Steinbrenner always put me in a pensive mood.

I am reminded of a friend of mine who, upon burying his mother, had this to say while at the cemetery. “My Mom lies here in this ground, a common woman with no notable accomplishment in this world, other than being a mother. Yet, as I stand here, I can see the gravestone of one of the most influential businessmen of our time. They lie together, same ground, same fate.” And that statement is what comes to mind when I hear of a famous person passing. In the end, even the most powerful, famous, and wealthy person ends up equal to the most lowly of travelers who has graced this earth. They both lie in the ground, stripped of all earthly titles and wealth.

In leaving this world, you take with you nothing but who you really are. Often, even those closest don’t really know who that person really is! So, again, I am moved to ponder the meaning of life. To me, this is why religion is so important. This is why the understanding of “who we are” is so central to our happiness. This is why I am brought to ponder on such occasions. Because I know in my heart that  “The Boss” is the boss no more. He is simply a son of a loving father, like all the others who have gone before. But the simple title of “A son of God” holds a lot more power and prestige than the title of “The Boss” ever will. More importantly, it’s a title that you hold onto for eternity.

TheDiscipleMD

I’ve known a number of great men in my day. Some have been members of an organized church, some not. Almost without exception, those who are participating members of churches have a much greater sphere of influence for doing good than those who choose to be a ‘lone wolf’ in their Christian service. The rationale behind my conclusion lies not only in observation, but in what Christ did before he left the earth. First, let’s remember that he made this famous statement:

“Thy art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…”

This clearly indicates that Jesus intended that a church would be organized to carry out the work. In other places, he calls and sets people apart to specific offices and duties. Clearly Christ mandated that a church to organized to carry out the work of the gospel. One of the main responsibilities of His church would be to ‘love’ thy neighbor as well as love God the Father with all thy heart.’

Why would Christ want a church organized after His name? Well, among many reasons is that organized churches tend to place their members on the J&J Highway on a consistent basis. What is the “J&J Highway?” Most of us know the story of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan was on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho (The J&J Highway) when he came upon the stranger who had been robbed and beaten. The Good Samaritan was given the opportunity to choose to help or pass by as others had done. And there lies the point. He was on the road, so he had the opportunity to act or not. If he weren’t on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, he never would have had the choice. Belonging to a church puts us on the highway between Jerusalem and Jericho far more often than by happenstance. Thus giving us more chances to exercise our free agency to “love our neighbor.” Christ-centered churches are about service. And it is service to our fellowman that ennoble us and bring us closer to Christ.

I know there are many people who do much good. A few even transcend the norm and serve and give beyond measure. But for most of us, a good, organized church that helps by assigning us tasks, or presents us with service projects that bless the lives of others, is the kick in the pants we need to start us on the road to Jericho. And while traveling on that road, there are plenty of people who are wounded and in need of care on the side of the highway. I, for one, am grateful to belong to an organized church that presents me, almost daily, with opportunities to serve. Which blesses the lives of others and blesses my life even more.

TheDiscipleMd
A photo of me sliding headfirst into home to tie the score in the County High School Baseball Championship Game was captured by a photographer for a local newspaper. It was published on the front page of its sports section and was titled, “Safe at Home.” I have been sliding headfirst into bases, when needed, since I was a little boy.

Fast forward over forty years. A few years ago, my four sons and I, along with my nephews, played on the same softball team. My skills are diminishing as I approach the back end of my life. That being said, my heart is still young. In a softball game where we were being beaten badly, we rallied to tie the game in the last inning. With two outs and runners in scoring position, I hit a ground ball to the shortstop, who threw the ball to first to get me out. As I neared the base, I could tell the play was going to be close, so I dove headfirst into first base. Somehow, my unorthodox running rattled the first baseman, who dropped the ball, and we won the game. The field is like concrete, and I had already dove headfirst into home earlier in the game. Blood oozed down my arms, but the game was won.

The next day, I was sore all over and could hardly get my body out of bed. The sores on my elbows had been sweating blood all night. I sent a text to my four sons, which read:

“My arms and body feel like hamburger meat this morning!”

A question came back from one of my sons:

“Was it worth it?”

My reply: “Wounds heal, but victories last forever!”

“Is it worth it?” we may ask to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that being a faithful disciple of the Savior is much like playing baseball, or anything else in life. Wounds may come from giving your all, but the rewards are worth it! Sometimes when we give it all to the Savior, we may lose friends, family, money, or social status. Some have given their very life! Yet, all these things, including life, are temporary. I hold great faith that whatever is lost for the sake of the Savior will be made whole by He who rules this universe.

Experience has taught me that physical, as well as all other wounds, do heal with time. It has also taught me to have faith in the promises that victory is in store for those who sacrifice and become faithful followers of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world! And victory in Christ’s wounds is forever! Sometimes in life, we must be willing to make a headfirst slide in order to be ‘safe at home.’