So I'm currently attending the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta, Georgia.  This morning I had the privilege of hearing Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, speak on the topic of leadership.  The first thing that I noticed about him was that he is an extremely humble man.  He spoke with a type of humor that loosens up the listener and then hits them with a thought provoking point.  Once he had the audience and himself at ease, he began telling us about life lessons from the book of Romans.  He uses it quite a bit with his coaching staff and also with his team.  I found it to be very applicable. 

He shared a story about a trip he took with his family to Italy a couple of years ago.  He admitted that he wasn't looking forward to going, but once he was there, he really enjoyed it.  He especially enjoyed waking the streets of Rome where the Apostle Paul once roamed.  He shared with us the beauty of the churches in Rome.  It sounded wonderful.  I'd love to go someday.  The thing that stuck out to me is the fact that he said that the beautiful, historical, centuries old churches that dot the streets of Rome aren't actually used anymore.  In fact, he said that the churches now serve as museums.

Remember how I've been sharing with you my recent journey of scripture memorization?  Last week I memorized First Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."  After John MacArthur reads the passage (see previous blogs for clarification), he give a couple of minutes of insight on it.  His comments on that passage told the story of a couple of friends who visited a New York City cathedral.  Inside the cathedral was a shrine of St. Joseph.  On the day the two friends were visiting, they were surprised to see the shrine had a sign on it that read: "Temporarily Out of Order."  John's point in telling the story is that we are a shrine, a temple of the Holy Spirit of God.  Don't we sometimes need a sign that tells people, "Don't look at me.  This shrine is Out of Order."

As Tony Dungy was telling his story of the churches turned into museums I saw a direct connection.  Many Christians I know seem satisfied showing off or telling about great things of the past.  They once gave money to this cause or they used to teach a Bible study to so and so.  None of that matters.  If you aren't currently and actively working for the Lord in your local church, in your job, in your marriage, and in your everyday life then you are a shrine that is out of order, a museum of what once was or what could be.  Don't be satisfied looking at what others have done or by what is in the past.  Seek the Lord today.  Make time to serve Him in every aspect of your life.  New life will fill your heart and He will show you the work He has for you to do.  Go do it!