A Good Idea At The Time

After making a mistake, have you ever thought, "Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time"?

The idea began with a small article in the sports section of our newspaper. The University of South Carolina football team was having "fan day" on Sunday afternoon. All the players and coaches would be at the stadium to meet fans and sign autographs.

The Gamecocks are our family's favorite football team. Our support for the team is stronger than usual because the coach, Brad Scott, is a committed Christian who speaks openly of his faith. Unfortunately, the cost of season tickets and other expenses has gotten to the point that all of our family can not attend the games together. So it seemed like a good idea to take my three boys (ages 14, 11 and 9) down to the stadium and let them meet the players they follow on radio, television and in the newspaper.

It is usually hot here in August. On this particular August afternoon the heat index, which measures how hot it feels, was well over 100. There were no clouds in the sky, and no shade on the field. Talking about the day the next morning, sports columnist wrote "If ever there were a day to avoid outside activity, Sunday qualifies. Saunas and steam rooms are cooler than Columbia on Aug. 17, 1997." So it was HOT!

After only a few minutes in the sun, I was soaked with perspiration. Despite my misery, the boys enjoyed meeting the players, so we stayed to the end. When I drove up in my driveway two hours later, my sons were planning where in their bedroom they were going to put an autographed team poster, while I felt awful. I thought, "I can't believe I did this... and it seemed like such a good idea at the time!"

How Does This Apply to Our Lives?

I had momentary doubts about this "good idea." But as I looked down on my sons' happy faces, my love for them overcame my discomfort. Hey--it was still a good idea!

As we walked into our home, I thought about another Father. Yes, I had sacrificed my time and comfort that afternoon for my sons because I loved them, but God loved me so much that He had sacrificed His very son for me. God has never looked at me with doubt and thought, "It sure seemed like a good idea at the time." No, long ago God sacrificed Jesus because He loved me, and despite everything I have done, God still loves me.

And just as I thought it was a good idea for my sons to meet those football players, God wants you to meet His son Jesus. John 1:12 says that all who receive Jesus may become God's children. If you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, take that step today. If you need help understanding how to accept Jesus, follow the "more information" instructions below.

God's love is such that He wants everyone to meet His son. My boys could hardly wait to tell neighborhood children about meeting those football players. In like manner, God's idea is that each Christian should tell others about Jesus. If you are a Christian, do others see Jesus in you?

Remember, God thought it was a good idea to sacrifice His son for you, and for others. He still does. What is your response to God's idea?

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

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Contributed by Rich McLawhorn email:REM@mail01.scdps.state.sc.us