Why Not Here?

Yes - don't faint - you are seeing the Gamecock logo on my Blog. Let me explain. On the way home tonight I was listening to our local Sports Talk radio station. There was a sports writer on that covers Gamecock football from the Post and Courier (got to be the worst job in the world!). They were actually talking about the SEC and what a great year Georgia has had. The sports writer was asked if he thought South Carolina could finally have that same kind of year next year - competing for the SEC, a 10 win season, and a BCS Bowl birth. He said, "Are you asking me if they can or if they will?" He was pressed a bit and then said something that made me think about the church. It went something like this, "It's never happened before and so I guess until it happens, I just can't see it." He also said that Steve Spurrier is always saying something like this, "Why not South Carolina? Why not here?"

What is the Ol' Ball Coach and the sports writer talking about whether they realize it or not? Vision. One can't see it and because he's never experienced it, doubts it can happen. In fact, he's just sitting around, watching and waiting to see if this thing works. If it doesn't, he'll probably say, "I told you so." If it does, he'll jump on the band wagon. The other understands that one of his primary roles in turning the ship around is to get people believing that it can happen - to cast vision.

I've been talking about God's Vision for our church a lot lately. I've talked about a healthy, growing church of 2000 people. Can you see it? Do you believe it can happen? Or because you can't see it and have never experienced it, do you doubt it can ever happen at Coastal? And instead of jumping in wholeheartedly, wiling to do whatever it takes, are you simply waiting and watching to see if this thing works. And when it does (because it will), then you'll jump on board. But every bump in the road in the meantime, you're ready to complain, doubt, and criticize. Let me save you some time - yours and mine. Go ahead and leave now. I'm serious. We don't need people who leave the stadium early in the fourth quarter when they think the game is over. And we also don't need fair weather fans who jump on the band wagon when this thing takes off - because it will.

Let me ask you something - why not here? Why not at Coastal? I see it! I really can! Can you? We're a great church, with great people, with a great vision from God, and most importantly, we serve an awesome Savior! People need Jesus! And we are a church that is overflowing with Him and His power! Who are you praying for? Who are you inviting to Coastal? Seriously, answer those two questions right now! I can't wait for Sunday! See you then!

(I almost found myself rooting for Gamecocks a little bit tonight. Well - at least that would make it a better rivalry!)