Friday Night Lights versus Sunday Morning Sights

By John Wisener

Pastor of Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church

Here we are, once again about to enter the most anticipated time of year for many North East Texans….FOOTBALL SEASON. Tailgating, smoke rising, horns honking, fans wearing their favorite game day apparel, signs, painted cars and everyone has talked to at least one other “fan” of the big upcoming game of the week. Opponents have been scouted, plays have been rehearsed on the field, players have eaten right, hydrated themselves and they have been led in cheers, pumped up to greatness by their coaches and they stand ready to take the field.

When those lights come on Friday night, the fans are packed into the stands. Sitting side by side with friends, family, unknown fans, sometime strangers but they all have one thing in common; they are rooting for the same team. The fans are dressed for the weather but don’t mind sitting close during cold weather or even sharing a blanket, umbrella or rain protection with anyone nearby. After all, the common bond is “WE ARE ONE!”

Plays are called, tackles are made, points are scored, first downs are made, great passes are caught, some are dropped, fumbles are recovered and lost, interceptions are made, penalties are called and all the while…the crowd from either side goes absolutely wild with noise. They yell at every positive and negative thing that happens on the field. They call out names of players and urge them on. They holler at the referees. The fans yell at the top of their lungs, clap their hands, stomp their feet and high five everyone within striking distance when their team scores. It is a sight only to behold in our lovely state of Texas. Someone even wrote a book and a TV show about those “Friday Night Lights”.

Football fans in Texas are fanatics. College, professional, high school, junior high school or Pop Warner league makes no difference to the fans of our great state. It is the love of the game, the love of the participant, the love of camaraderie, teamwork, hometown pride that drives people to buy a ticket, sit for three hours in an outside environment (regardless of weather) and would do it week after week. Thousands of dollars are spent in concession stands buying coffee, pop, snacks, candy and donations are made for every group on school campus, because after all…it’s for a good cause. People will eagerly give money on a chance to win a deer rifle, new cooler or a new four wheeler. August cannot come soon enough for the football fan.

When I see the fans on Friday night in all their gear and hear their yells and sounds of praise I wonder what their voice sounds like on a Sunday morning when sitting in the pew.

Most Sunday mornings you will find church parking lots around northeast Texas partially full in the fall football season unless of course there is a visiting preacher and attendance drops off significantly. However, if a special speaker, such as someone with star appeal, the numbers go up. But sadly, the distinction between Friday nights and Sunday mornings stop at the parking lot.

You know what I’m fixing to say, but read along anyway. We put on our Sunday gear but we have not spoken all week to a fellow church member about the upcoming worship. There has been little if any preparation before worship. Prayers have been non-existent at best, except that 911 prayer you offered when you saw the police officer and you were speeding. Sunday school lesson has not been read. No Sunday school teachers, deacons, or pastors have been called this week to give them an encouraging word regarding the upcoming worship service. Many of us will be late for the service and avoid Sunday School all together. Too early to get up on Sunday even though both job and school come much earlier in the day each week.

Come worship time, many will sit, nod, lean on someone’s shoulder, fiddle with their clothes, dig in their purse or get up and leave during worship for all assorted reasons. Business calls, return a text, or just to stretch their legs because sitting for 30-45 minutes is too much.

Worship continues but little sounds come from within the enclosed auditorium, sanctuary or worship center. No cries of “get’em boys” or no cheers of “two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar, all who love Jesus, stand up and holler.” No signs, no noise makers, not much noise at all. Opportunities for giving are conducted even though no coffee, candy or snack is given in exchange to assist you in your worship.

This does not describe every church or every group that gathers to worship on Sunday morning. That would not be fair for me to assess it, because I have not attended and worshipped with every group in town. But, sadly it does describe a safe majority of our church bodies who place a greater emphasis on the team sports than we do our eternal lives.

Let’s not neglect the team that makes a playoff appearance. Once the regular season is over and playoffs begin the entire fan base is enlarged, enraged and engaged. Out of towners flock in, former students return, banners go up, stores even close down early or don’t open at all.

Why does Friday night look so different than Sunday morning? Who or what are we really worshipping?

This Sunday morning, surprise everyone by hollering out “AMEN” when the preacher is on point. Give someone a high-five when your favorite hymn is sung. Go across the aisle and shake the hand of an old classmate friend. Shout “Hallelujah to the Lamb” when a person gives their life to Christ. Give the preacher a word of encouragement before he preaches. Pray with your pastor and church leaders before worship. Give an offering this Sunday which is comparable to what you spent at the game on tickets, food, hotel, gas, and parking fees.

I love football. I love to watch the game. I love Jesus more. Why? Because I am not a fan of Jesus. I am His brother and I am a participant in the game of life. Jesus does not want fans. He wants people who are committed. He wants people who are ready to be put in the game.

How about you? When you compare your Friday nights to your Sunday mornings, what’s different? Let every man examine himself says the scriptures.

If we put as much emphasis on our Sunday morning preparation as our Friday night participation there would be a change in our culture, our community and even in our churches. Think about it. Are you just a fair weather fan of Jesus? If so, the game is passing you by. And yes, I will see you in the stands on Friday and prayerfully in the pews on Sunday.