Patriots close Perfect season

[Dennis M. Scott]

Why is in allright for sportscasters to say this has been a "perfect" season, but it's confusing for us to use that word in describing our relationship/walk with the Lord? The Patriots made a lot of mistakes, had injuries, missed cues, were levied penalties and fines, and nearly blew that record several times. Yet if a professing Christian stumbles, errs, or reveals weaknesses, the tendency is to say that Christian hasn't arrived at perfection?

Like most analogies, this one falls down after awhile, but it'll preach a little. Also, the sports page is hardly the place from which to take a text. It might, however, be something that will shortly get the attention of some who typically sleep through Sunday 11:00 AM in church.

[Ian Gentles]

I think world is more realistic in expectations, and we look for far more! Was last year perfect for me? Oh for sure its been awful, so how do i measure it? Well I survived, and my desire for the Lord survived, so maybe its wasn't a total disaster after all?
But i do think we hope for, maybe expect, to much? Where as world is happy if things go fairly good!

[Stan Self]

Dennis,

I think it all hinges on the defined criterion. Sportscasters and the sports world in general have established a won-loss record of 16-0 during the regular season constitutes regular season perfection. No other factor matters.

As to the criterion for a Christian's perfection, a quick read of Naznet will show that the definition of "perfect" is all over the board. Consensus on a definition is difficult even among we who preach, teach, and claim the possibility.

If it was only a matter of dress, tithing, or church attendance it would be so much easier. ;)

[Ian Gentles]

Dennis,

I think it all hinges on the defined criterion. Sportscasters and the sports world in general have established a won-loss record of 16-0 during the regular season constitutes regular season perfection. No other factor matters.

As to the criterion for a Christian's perfection, a quick read of Naznet will show that the definition of "perfect" is all over the board. Consensus on a definition is difficult even among we who preach, teach, and claim the possibility.

If it was only a matter of dress, tithing, or church attendance it would be so much easier. ;)

Yes true, what is "perfection"? Seems none of us can agree! Maybe survival in the faith is in itself perfection? Also what is perfection for one may not be for another?

[Mike McVey]

Why is in allright for sportscasters to say this has been a "perfect" season, but it's confusing for us to use that word in describing our relationship/walk with the Lord? The Patriots made a lot of mistakes, had injuries, missed cues, were levied penalties and fines, and nearly blew that record several times. Yet if a professing Christian stumbles, errs, or reveals weaknesses, the tendency is to say that Christian hasn't arrived at perfection?

Also, the sports page is hardly the place from which to take a text.

I think the sports page is a great place to take a text. Even people that don't understand sports understand the concept of play, records, and rules. They might not like football, but they understand 16-0 or anything else that has never been done before... which by the way, that is why I think we call the Patriots perfect and not a walk with the Lord. No team has ever won 16 games in a regular season. Unless the NFL completely disappears, they will eventually be defeated. They will not remain undefeated for all time. In fact, when the Super Bowl is over, the fact that they have these records will at best inspire other teams/players and at worst be an interesting tidbit for a future version of Trivial Pursuit.

After the season, all of what they accomplished is meaningless for next year's team. A Christian's walk remains with them 'til death or New Jerusalem. It might also be important to mention that the Patriots were unable to accomplish this feat because of any one specific player. They needed a group of people to work together. Their perfection was only established as a communion of players, coaches, and front office personnel. They could not do it on their own. Christians can't have a perfect walk if they do not have a community of faith in which to join them on the journey.

[Bob Evans]

Would a good text be he who endures to the end will be saved?

[Ian Gentles]

I like your idea of community, team work, in regards to perfection. We all play together, support, encourage, help to heal injuries, I like it! :)

[Bruce Carriker]

Why is in allright for sportscasters to say this has been a "perfect" season, but it's confusing for us to use that word in describing our relationship/walk with the Lord? The Patriots made a lot of mistakes, had injuries, missed cues, were levied penalties and fines, and nearly blew that record several times. Yet if a professing Christian stumbles, errs, or reveals weaknesses, the tendency is to say that Christian hasn't arrived at perfection?

Like most analogies, this one falls down after awhile, but it'll preach a little. Also, the sports page is hardly the place from which to take a text. It might, however, be something that will shortly get the attention of some who typically sleep through Sunday 11:00 AM in church.

I'll be interested to see how you preach the part about the coaching staff cheating in their pursuit of perfection. :laughing:laughing

[Ian Gentles]

I'll be interested to see how you preach the part about the coaching staff cheating in their pursuit of perfection. :laughing:laughing

ere cough at least they got perfection. Maybe we need to cheat? roflol

[Mike Schutz]

I began my sermon this morning using the commentator's statement (I believe it was the fine former receiver of the Cincinnati Bengals) that, while the Patriots had a "great" season, it will not be a "successful" season unless they win the Super Bowl.

I used it to point out that we all need some way of measuring how we are doing in the most important things, including our spiritual life. And while some things are not as easily measured as other things, we do need standards to use for comparison. I then preached from Luke 2:8-20, on the response of the shepherds to what they had seen and heard - and how have we responded to what God has done in our lives.

The intro works okay - except that the majority of my congregation are Eagles' fans. They booed me at the beginning of the sermon - which is better than getting booed at the end.

[Ian Gentles]

I have often used illustrations of sports persons dedication to their sport and success. They put in the hours, disciplined life's, and show us spiritual people up! They do it but for a few years of earthly glory.

[Tami Martin]

I like the illustration of the Pats. I think it's exactly what's needed: an illustration that perfection is subjective. We have to know what we're measuring against. Just thinking about this has helped me clear that little bit up in my mind.

I also had a pastor who was very into sports. He used sports analogies in virtually every sermon. For those of us who didn't follow sports (about 70% of the congregation), it got old fast.

[Roland Hearn]

I think it all hinges on the defined criterion.
Dennis great observation - I think you are spot on as we would say and on the money as Americans would say. Stan I think your observation is precisely right. We have muddied the waters with criteria for perfection that are not appropriate. When John talks of perfection he talks about love, when Jesus calls us to obey the commands he talks about love, when Paul defines the essence of religion he talks about love. When Wesley talked about holiness he talked about perfect love.

I for one believe that there is no better expression to define the quality of relationship with God that He calls us to than to speak of perfection. Wesley said he struggled to use the term for it might be misunderstood but felt like he was forced to because the Bible did. Our problem is we are compelled to view life, faith and love in terms of performance and therefore recoil at the term.

My wife has written on a chalkboard a little note for the family. "Take a minute - get over it." I think that applies here. We need to get past the analysis of perfection in terms of perfect performance. I saw missed tackles, missed catches, bad throws, bad blocks, bad plays and bad runs in this one game let alone the season and yet it was perfect by the only measuring stick that counts Win/Loss. If we could see our relationship with Christ, our reliance on Him, and our willingness to embrace grace at a transformational level at the very core of our being as the only criteria upon which perfection could be based then we can, by His grace, have our hearts perfected by faith.

Thanks Dennis - good call.

[Ian Gentles]

I think we scared to talk about love, to love, as it kinda makes us feel queer and vulnerable. When i worked with cops is was get the so an soos! I think we all might be afraid to love fully?