Blind Guys and Football

Tonight's men's group was phenominal as usual. And what made this night even better was that USC got beat in football. Somehow this led to a conversation about having a lack of respect for a certain college football coach due to his perceived lack of class and character. There were several examples of things he had done and said that justified my feelings towards the man. I could list reason after reason why I found this man's character and integrity offensive.

But something that came up was an analogy that was shared by a dear friend and brother in Christ (thanks BL). If a blind guy walks past me and steps on my foot, would I be offended? The obvious answer is no. Who would take offense to that. He couldn't see me there. He had no idea that he was about to walk across my toes. The man is blind, he cannot see the reality in front of him. Now had I told the gentleman that I was standing there, he could have easily steered clear of the impending danger. After warning him, I could then direct him into the safest path that would lead him where he wanted to be.

Likewise, if this coach is a non-believer, he too is blind. Not physically, but spiritually. If no one has informed the coach that there is an impending danger (eternity seperated from God), how could he possibly know to steer clear of it?

Why should I be offended by the man's actions, speeches and attitude? Perhaps he has never been warned of the upcoming peril. It is possible that he has never been pointed in the direction of the safe path.

Gentlemen, we must first realize that we are lost before we can be found. We need to know that we are in need of being saved to accept salvation. If I am walking in the woods and I get lost, I am not worried until I realize I am lost. If I think I know where I am and you offer to lead me out, I will probably reject it. Why? Because I have no clue that I need your assistance.
It isn't until that becomes a reality that I would seek a plan of escape.

Keep that in mind as we share Jesus with those around us. I believe that many reject Jesus because they aren't aware they need Him. We need to lovingly alert them to that, without judgement, condemnation or apathy.

God bless. I will be back tomorrow...as once again, I am up at 3:20 in the morning following a Bible Study. It is well worth the trip if you can make it.