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!
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