Mr. Decker’s Blog

I was thinking about the recent sporting news that announced Mike Lowell signed on with the Red Sox for another three years. After hearing about the 37 -or-so-million dollar contract on the radio - I related the information to my 13 year old daughter. And, in the telling of it, I felt a bit sad about the world that she is growing up in.

When I was her age, Carl Yazstremski played for Boston… as did Rico Petrocelli and Tony C… Al Kaline and Norm Cash were Detroit Tigers, and Thurman Munson was a hated Yankee. Henry Aaron? The Braves… Willy Mays? Giants? Roberto Clemente? Pittsburgh. Of course. These players formed our regional identity. You couldn’t imagine them in another uniform - and you got the feeling they couldn’t either. We all belonged.

You see, back then - the Team was more important than the players who were ON the team. Athletes belonged to a franchise - and in doing so, gave up some of their own personal rights. They played for the city and it’s people - not just for their own fame, fortune and subsequent contract  to be secured with the highest bidder. I am not sure where or when it all changed… but it is surely not for the better. Now, each year, the “hometown team” is a new collection of rich men, playing with the hopes of yet improving their lot for the next season; if only they can amass good stats.

It’s the same in other sports. I am glad for the Celtics recent success - but it has been purchased - not earned the old fashioned way - through hard work, player development and practice. Kevin Garnett is a huge talent  - but a Celtic? I guess so… For that matter, I am just getting used to watching Randy Moss in a Patriot uniform, and already in mid-season, the talk is much conjecture about where he will catch passes next year.

Since faith comes to play in all things, I am reminded, in all of this, of the Christmas season upcoming, where God (who’s really famous and has quite a fortune) demonstrated His unselfish love for mankind by negotiating a contract which called for him to step down out of glory - and into a lowly stable. He (Jesus) gave up all claims to prestige and power in order to redeem a race of people who really didn’t even seem to care much. He gave up personal power in order to purchase a priceless and powerful salvation - for others… not for Himself. He did it for our ol’ Human league… and for the city. Our city.

He’s really different than us. I want my daughter to know that…  In a nation that even puts the name ”Idol” on it’s constant seach for more stars - the contrast is quite profound. True worship isn’t ever idol worship. It’s a whole lot different… and it has quite a lasting affect on those who believe.

So… welcome back to Boston, Mike Lowell… and hurry back to earth - Jesus. We need you, now.

I have been studying the book of 1st Corinthians from the Bible, in order to prepare for our new “cafe style” evening service at our church. We call it Jericho Roots, as it is designed to get us rooted and grounded in truth. As I was going through that book, it struck me - that this was just a letter written to church folks… by the Apostle Paul. He had a lot to say - but most of it was geared toward the problems they were having in “just getting along.”

There’s a misconception that Christians have it “together” or at least they try to appear that way. Nothing could be further from the real truth. Look at the language Paul uses. In the first chapter (verse 7) he tells them that God has given them every spiritual gift they need… so whether it was hospitality or healing… tongues or teaching - they were loaded. BUT! A few paragraphs later (chapter 3) he tells them they aren’t even spiritual people! They are immature, selfish and like “babies”… In many Christian circles, spiritual gifts are sought after like treasures… but they clearly don’t equal a lifestyle that is pleasing to God. So, what does???

I grew up in a tradition that said - “It is Bible study that makes you mature…” Well, it surely is important - but learning can also make you arrogant and set in your ways. I have met many folks with incredible knowledge - but not much spirituality… I always ask the question; “Do they remind me of Jesus?” Sadly, the obvious answer is too often, “Not really.”

So, how do we get mature? I had this discussion with a pastor friend of mine - and the answer we arrived at was the simple one… Jesus said “unless you learn to become unselfish… you can’t follow Me.” (paraphrased from Luke 9) So, if we learn to be “giving people” - not giving to feel good - but to make sure others are actually treated more importantly than we are - THEN we find the secret. We grow up. Our knowledge becomes effective and our gifts get used for their correct purposes - to build up somebody else…

We try to teach the teens in our Jairus 12 Step that - Today is not about them… that they have the chance to create a peaceful environment around them that flows from the inside out - and results in the blessing of others. The source of that kind of life-flow is found in Forgiveness and Grace. Some of them are getting it. Indeed, they are the real spiritual people in my life. Maybe someday, some of them might even come to church.