The 'Club'

But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given. Luke 12:48 NLT

As a member of a Club, eg a football club, I would automatically fall into line with the decisions and actions of the Board, the Management, and the players, whether in the boardroom, on the pitch or the bench as a reserve. I will be committed to the ethos of that Club and all that it stands for. Otherwise, I couldn’t count myself as being a true fan, or a follower.

Sometimes one of the staff or players will act against the ‘ethos’ and find themselves in a law court. Perhaps it’s a financial irregularity, or a moral failing which went public. Whether a failing at the top, or in the locker room, it’s still a misdemeanor and the offender fails not only himself, but the Club’s good name. Well at least for a while, because it can be soon forgotten and the Club moves forward, although forever changed in the eyes of many. Members must obey the law of the land, but the thing that really counts in any club is what happens when the original terms and conditions are encroached. These can also be thought of as the Club Standards, or Regulations.

It’s bad enough when a first team player errs, but we expect more from the Board members and leaders. After all, they set the tone for those who report to them. It’s just like in business when you see the sign on the CEO’s desk which says, “The Buck Stops Here”. And it does.

As Christians we also belong to a parallel body of like minded people called the Church. We all strive to be the best, and to be like Jesus, but sometimes we fail, and maybe even openly. For the most part we are forgiving and accepting when someone in the pew steps out of line. After all, we recognise that we are not perfect ourselves. It may be unfair, but it is a Biblical and natural truth that we should expect more from our pastors, teachers and leaders because they shoulder most responsibility. It cannot be easy to stay on top of the occasional unintentional slip, or even the open and intentional sin, but that cannot and does not absolve any of us from our responsibility. After all, the longer we have been a Jesus follower, the more responsibility we shoulder too! So, whether we occupy the pulpit or the pew, let us all be careful how we reflect the image of the Christ we serve.