Bring Your "G" Game

The people of the town had no idea of what rugby was, but only vaguely. So when construction began on a new rugby stadium, no one was impressed. At least not favorably. People grumbled when construction blocked a lane of traffic. They griped about the noise and the ruined view. When they saw signs announcing tickets for sale, few were interested. Most people predicted it would never last.

One clear evening, people noticed two spotlights piercing the night sky. Curious, some people set out to find the source of the light. Soon the sky rained color, glittering fountains of fire and sound. Fireworks! Obviously, something very special was going on. Thousands of people followed the signs in the sky.

It took little time for people to trace the fireworks to the new field. Crowds stood outside looking up, but the best view was inside. Ushers invited people inside for a comfortable seat and a free look.

When the fireworks ended, the rugby gamed started, People who had never before seen the game found themselves enthralled with the fast action and great skill of the players. A lot of people’s feelings toward rugby changed that night. Some signed up to learn to play. Many more signed up for season tickets. The spectacular sights and sounds of the spotlights and fireworks had drawn people to the field, but the exciting game made the people rugby fans. The game, not the fireworks, was the central importance. [*]

First let me start with I know nothing about rugby and truly can say I have never even seen someone play. But with that said, this story caught my attention because this is exactly what our lives, our relationships, and our churches should be. Wait... don’t go buy fireworks for your Sunday service yet....What I am saying is that the supernatural works of the Holy Spirit in your life should be ever so present and inviting that people are drawn to it. They want a seat to watch in amazement of what the Lord is able and capable of doing and what the same thing for themselves. It starts with a spotlight- a seed, to draw their attention to Him.  Then with a movement of the Holy Spirit, a believer exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit to the lost, getting them sold out for the main event. See the main event should always be the main event. Like it or not, it’s not about you or me, it’s about the main event.

Thousands of years ago, on the Day of Pentecost when the church was born, the Holy Spirit drew crowds of thousands in. However, the main purpose and central importance was the message of the gospel. This leaving three thousand people who walked into something they never knew of before completely sold out and sharing the word of God to everyone they met. See the fact of the matter is when we lose sight of our central importance we lose sight of it all. “When the Holy Spirit is resting upon a body of believers, He does not need to be advertised. The most effective form of advertising is the power of God. Word spread all over the temple area and all over Jerusalem within a very short period of time. The crowd had been gathered and the stage was set for evangelism to take place.”

“Lord, Let us never forget to bring your power as our central importance to every event we face. Trusting and believing that your Spirit will be so present in our lives that people will be drawn to your people and we can usher them into a lifelong relationship with you. Help to remember that you’re POWER can move any mountain and clam every sea in our lives and that nothing is too big or small for you. Thank your Spirit and your presence that you allow us to feel everyday!” Amen
* Story and excerpts taken from “Acts: The Holy Spirit at work in Believers”

Ashley McDougal
Ashley is the Children's pastor for 3N1 Church in Virginia. Her passion is to see the Church being Christ's Church consistently no matter where they are and of course Children!! For more info on 3N1 you can check out their website at http://3n1church.com.