Mixing Up the Messages
CBN.com - Have you ever stopped and listened to what many professional athletes, coaches, or owners are really saying in interviews about a tough subject? You know the questions I am talking about the ones that make them shift their weight from one foot to the other, sigh heavily, or gives them a glassy eyed stare as their brain goes into sensory overload trying to spin doctor an answer that is acceptable to the general public.
For example, while sitting in a sparsely populated arena on game night, an owner of a failing major league sports team is asked whether it is in the best interests of his team to have a new, state of the art arena built. After reflecting on the question for a moment (obviously conjuring the most politically correct answer possible), he offers his response.
"I think the fans of this great city deserve the best arena possible to come out to see our team play. People want to bring their families out to an environment that is safe, convenient, affordable, and above all fun. If a new arena will provide that than I am all for it."
What he might have been thinking: "I want to make as much money as is humanly possible. A new arena means that corporate luxury suites will be included. And if corporate luxury suites are included that means even if the arena is only half full I will still make money. I wont need to depend on the fans as much for the success of my bottom line. With these corporate boxes I can maintain ticket prices at current levels for a couple of years. Doing so will make my team more attractive to the fans. So, a new arena is a win-win situation for everyone, the fans and me."
How about this scenario? It is always interesting to listen to negotions between player and potential team during Major League Baseball's free agent signing period. When contractual progress grinds to a standstill a player will often make a rehearsed statement to the media that pulls at the heartstrings of fans:
"Its not about the money. I have all the money I will ever need. I just want that extra year on the contract to guarantee that my family can make this their home. You know, provide some stability for my kids. By adding that extra year to my contract, I can be sure that my children will have an added sense of connection to this community and will call this area their home."
What he might have been thinking: "I might have a premature, career ending injury. Therefore, I must attempt to get just as much guaranteed money as I possibly can. In addition, my agent has been really pushing on this. He said something about early retirement. Oh yeah, my kids think it would be pretty cool to live here."
Or, what about the pastor who stands in the pulpit week after week, preaching essentially the same message over and over again. He is passionate about what he says and speaks as if our lives depend on committing to what he is suggesting. He always seems to quote the same scriptures.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." (
)or;
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (
)What he really said: God sent his only son, Jesus, to this earth to die for you and me. We will become free because He paid the price for our sins with His blood. We deserve to die, but if we believe and trust in His son Jesus Christ, our weakness will be turned into strength. Belief in Jesus Christ will provide you with complete freedom. Knowing and believing in Gods word is the absolute source of truth. We become free to be kind, caring, loving people. We are freed to be all He created us to be. Most importantly, we will receive eternal life if we only believe in Him.
There are no hidden messages here. There is no spin cycle like the one that often plays such a prominent role in professional sports. Belief in Jesus Christ is real, it is absolute, it is true. A life spent living for Jesus Christ is a life worth living. It is a life that is meant for you.
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