Doug Creamer: What’s in it for me?
Published 12:00 am Saturday, February 10, 2018
I don’t think we are teaching our children the right lessons when we give every child a trophy. At the end of the Super Bowl only one team gets the trophy. I remember one year running a young lady as a state DECA officer. She worked hard to win and did a great job. In the end she lost by the slimmest of margins. I was at a loss of words to comfort her, and ironically, she comforted me. She reminded me that we gave it our best and that is all we can do.
I normally don’t cheer a whole lot while I am watching the Super Bowl. I just want to watch two teams give their best and have a close and exciting game. I really watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. I make it a homework assignment for my students so we can discuss them on Monday.
I think the best commercials this year were those honoring athletes and first responders. There were some funny ads, but I think the advertisers held back this year. We are living in changing times, with changing values, and a new women’s movement, so advertisers are having trouble figuring out what is appropriate.
It seems we all approach Super Bowl Sunday with different expectations. For many, it is all the delicious food. Some are ardent fans for their team and watch hoping to cheer them to victory. Some just hope for a good game, great commercials, and a good half-time show. It is a huge family-oriented production that draws us together for an evening of fun.
I think people approach the Super Bowl thinking; “What am I going to get out of this?” What bothers me is that I believe many people approach church the same way. Some come for the good fellowship before and after the service. Others love the worship and music during the service because it lifts their spirits. Still others come to hear a good sermon. Some want it to be emotionally charged, while others seek something thought-provoking, and still others are hoping to be entertained. We all seem to come to get something out of the service.
I believe we need to change our thinking about church. First, I think we need to make being there a priority. We can all find a reason to stay home, but God wants us to come together so we can enjoy the fellowship and learn more about Him and His ways. Our presence in church makes a difference and makes us available to be a blessing to others.
I think that is what we need to focus on; how can God use me to be a blessing to someone else? God may use you to give an encouraging word to the discouraged. It may be your voice or your musical instrument that touches a heart. Your presence in Sunday school might encourage others to attend. It might be your prayers that give someone the strength to continue the good fight of the faith.
I believe God wants to use us to be a blessing, but we have to do our part. We have to go to church so we are present and available. We have to have ears to hear His voice as He tells us what to do. We have to see people with His eyes and His love. If we wake up every day asking God to use us to be a blessing, I believe God will answer that prayer. He will open doors of opportunity all around us. There are people we see every day who need the Lord.
I want to encourage you to think differently as you attend church and approach your everyday life. Think about what you could give to help and bless others. Pray and ask God to use you in a positive way in someone’s life. Each of us has a vital role to play in the Kingdom of God if we hope to fulfill His purposes. I want God to use me every day, and I want to encourage you to be available to be God’s blessing to others, too.
Contact Doug at doug@dougcreamer.com
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