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Get out of the Grandstand

Over the years, I have been to literally hundreds of stock car races. At every one of them, I have been surrounded by “Expert Drivers”. You know, guys who sit there and say, “Why did he do that?” or “He should have…” (fill in the blank). In fact, I have given out my fair share of “driving advice” while sitting in the grandstands. However, after this past weekend, my attitude is completely different.

Last Friday night, Estevan Motor Speedway held its first annual “Faster Pastor” race. It was a chance for church leaders to get into race cars and see what things are like from the other side of the fence and, let me tell you, it is very different. The cars are loud. The track is rough. It is hard to see anything beside you and, because you do not have a rearview mirror, you cannot see anything behind you. The track that seemed so wide before the race started suddenly seems very narrow.

In other words, it is much more difficult than it looks. There is a huge difference between sitting in the stands and sitting in the car.

When you think about it, everything in life is that way. It is much easier to “know what to do” when you are watching a situation than when you are living it. Every parent “knows” what their child’s teacher should be doing, but how many of them have ever taught school? Everyone “knows” how city council should be spending our tax dollars, but how many of them have ever been an elected official? Every hockey fan “knows” what the referee missed, but how many of them would be willing to put on the striped shirt and call the game? Everyone “knows” what would make their church better, but how many are willing to put in the time and effort to make it so?

My point: It is easy to be critical when you do not have to participate.

As Christians, we are called to be helpful, not just critical. We are asked to serve others, not just watch it being done.

Your faith will grow when you “get out of the grandstands” and participate in what God is doing.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

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