The gospel in Blacksburg

I just finished watching the pregame ceremonies for the Virginia Tech football game. This is the first football game since April 16, when 32 members of the Virginia Tech community were senselessly gunned down.

Of course there was a moment of silence, a memorial video, and other tributes. But what impacted me the most is what happened right before the game.

Before most football games, the teams enter the field generally. This often leads to screaming and cheering for the home team and booing for the away team. Today, however, the teams entered the field at the same time as a symbol of unity. There was no booing. The entire stadium joined together in a loud cheer.

Obviously, most of the people in the stadium were cheering for Virginia Tech. The difference is there was no booing against the visiting team.

This brings two thoughts to mind:

First of all, why can't this be a tradition at all sporting events? Why do we feel a need to boo and put down someone just because they play for a different team? Aren't we all created in the image of God? Aren't we all human beings on this journey called life? When you think about it, does it really make sense to degrade someone because they wear a different colored uniform and play for a different team?

I am not against cheering for your team. But there is a difference between positive encouragement for a team you support and putting down someone else.

If you are a big sports fan, like I can be at times, this can be difficult.

However, the second thought is even more challenging to me. Why do followers of Jesus often treat "sinners" the same way? I use that term loosely because we are all sinners. But I use it because it is often a derogatory term used by Christians to describe non-Christians.

Why do we feel it is OK to put someone down simply because they don't know Jesus? The apostle Paul wrote, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)

I would challenge us all to learn a lesson from Virginia Tech. Whether it's an opposing sports team or someone who is not yet a Christ-follower, there is no reason for us to use degrading words, attitudes, or actions towards another human being. God has called us to join Him in the mission of restoring Creation to it's original state. That begins one relationship at a time, reaching out to bring healing and reconciliation across every line that divides.

shine!
Jason