Seventh invention

Inventions are not only things to help us with our schedules or revolutionize our dining experience, they are also needed to help people know about Jesus.  These are the kind of inventions we’ve been considering.  My next, and last, invention (seven is a good Biblical number to stop with) is broad.  It is a simple idea, but the application of it could go on and on.  To explain it, will you take a trip with me?  Here, let me get the door for you:

No, you don’t have to be quiet.  I SAID YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE QUIET.  Let’s step to the side so we can talk some more.  Look at all of the people!  The bands!  The food!  The high-fives!  The applause!  And this is a game!  In 24 hours it’ll be a list of statistics.  Did you notice something else?  The enthusiasm!  People took off work to be here.  The money!  People are making money and people are paying money.  The intensity!  People are focused on one thing right now.  The pride!  People bought clothes just for this occasion.  That brings us to:

Invention #7 – Team Apparel

Christians can get into baseball, football, NASCAR, and countless other sports.  We have the shirts, hats, jackets, sweaters, gloves, scarves, and underwear to prove it.  This may be all that is holding us back from telling our friends about Jesus.  If we could put on a Team Heaven jersey with #7 on it I’m certain our energy level would rise.  Maybe a hat with the Galilean Fishermen logo on the front would psych us up to leave work early and meet with a hurting friend for a while.  Would a windbreaker with Paul’s ‘authentic’ signature (large letters per Galatians 6:11) be enough to have us come to church early for a ‘game’ instead of leaving church early for a game?

If the clothes go over well, we could venture out into license plate frames (1 John 4:18 talks about driving, so “Go team!”), key chains (Matthew 16:19 is definitely something the band could put a beat to) . . . .  Or, we could remember Whose team we play for and listen for the next play.  The Coach has given us a play book and it has all kinds of things we can do to help our friends know about winning.  Not winning a trophy or a ring, but a crown:

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12, NIV)

May others know about God, His Son, and His message, not because of an invention, but because of His people.