Your God?

“You shall have no other God(s) before Me”. Exodus 20:3 

I would suggest that since the first commandment gives us the foundation for the other 9 commandments, and much of the Bible, it must be important. We should therefore treat it with respect and reverence. But do we do that, even and especially as so called ‘committed Christians?’

What or who is your God? Please don’t patronise me by suggesting that you have no God other than the God of Exodus 20:3. I can think of a few, and they include, but are not limited to: my house, my car, my spouse, my child, my parents, my bank account, and the list goes on. Question: Would any of these ‘gods’ keep us from going to church? I would suggest not, unless they were used in an extreme case by an extreme person. 

So, what kind of ‘gods’ might keep us away from the place of worship? What would you rather do, or where would you rather be, instead of church? It is possible that some in the previous list might keep us from church, but there is another which certainly would keep us from our place of worship. I have seen it show up at all ages, from primary school age, right through into mature adulthood. The reason is simple. This one can involve the whole family, especially when encouraged in the young, by their parents and once started, it is almost impossible to stop.

Sport! Any kind of sport, whether actively involved, or as an armchair participant. You will inevitably hear the words, “but this is the final. Or Semi final. Or an important draw etc etc…” I know of no greater potential drain on church attendance, or even membership than sport.

ABS??

Wimbledon is in full flow right now, and Andy Murray is doing well. He seems to be well liked around the country, and round the world's tennis fans too. I like the unity of sportsmanship which seems to be shown in this sport on and off the court. Opponents are undoubtedly real rivals when playing each other, and it is obvious, but (big BUT) when they finish, they speak highly of each other's play, and usually have a respect, if not a friendship, with their opponents. I find that refreshing, and the basis for sporting role models for our children and youth. 


I scoured the crowds at this 'World Cup' of tennis for signs of any banners or T-Shirts bearing the slogan ABS, and didn't see any. If they were there, they were well hidden. When interviewed, all the fans had only good things to say about Britain's only hope, Andy Murray, and he is a Scot! He is playing in the 'All England Club' which is the sport's highest honour in the UK. The English are fulsome in their praise of a great sportsman, when they see it. They seem to recognise it for what it is, and don't get caught up in any ABS (Anybody But Scotland) nonsense!


What a refreshing change from the Scotland fans who cannot stand the sight of an English jersey, and have a club of their own to show their disdain. Sadly, the ABE club has a large following, and not just from the 'lower end' of the social spectrum, but from those you would think should know better, and a bit higher up the social ladder. So it has nothing to do with social standing. Put bluntly, the ABE crowd show themselves for what they are, unsportsmanlike and short sighted sectarian people (perhaps even bigots?), who are no example to our youth. Please, please do not insult me by saying it's all a bit of fun in the name of sporting rivalry. Sportsmanship and disrespect cannot be used together to describe any sport, at any time, by any sport lover. 


I think we are in dangerous territory. What if there was an 'ABB' (Anybody But Blacks), or an 'ABM' (Anybody But Muslim) club? It only then becomes a matter of time before we see an 'ABC' (Anybody But Christian) group. Are we ready to let that happen, or do we sit isolated in our ivory tower, and hold on to the belief that 'It's only a bit of fun'? As a Christian nation, are we not directed to 'Love one another'? Not easy, but it would be worth it in the long run!