On the banks of the red river......

For those that do not know, that is the opening line to the Michigan State University Spartan fight song. No, I did not go there, I went to college about an hour north of there at Central Michigan. That song starts, "FIGHT, Central down the field,..."

Anyway, tomorrow (10/1) MSU and UM will meet up in East Lansing. It is always a fun game and even better when played in East Lansing. Myself, my wife, her sister and husband, their brother, my brother, his fiance, and my uncle in additon to other friends will all descend on East Lansing tomorrow. Departing metro Detroit around 5am. We'll bring in plenty of Green and White as well as food, beverage, TVs, satellite dishes, stereos, games, etc. Think of when you have a family/friends BBQ and you plan everything at your house. Except we are doing it in East Lansing and it includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We'll be wearing Green and White, the ladies are going to have little green 'S' on their cheeks, and the fight song will be played routinely. Some of us will go to the game (only 6 or 7 tickets for 20 people, but all have fun with the tailgating) and scream until we can barely talk. We'll talk "trash" to UM fans and scream some more. If MSU wins more joy and adulation. If they lose disappoinment and second guessing.

We'll pack up the tailgate and head home around 7pm. Tired, sore, full, and I can honestly say, regardless of the game, happy with life and the day we had. I can barely contain myself writing it here. Experience has told me that the game plan for tomorrow is fun, fun, fun.

I write all this because it lends itself to being a "fanatic." We here it all the time. I am a fanatic for this or that. Tens of thousands of people pack sporting venues across America (and the world, especialy with Soccer). Millions more sit in front of their TVs. Many wear jerseys, team colors, painted faces, get up at 5am on a weekend, spend a whole Saturday on one team. Many times, these "fans" (root word for FANatic) will never even meet the athletes they cheer on so joyously and whole-heartedly. Yet it is socially acceptable for this obession and fanaticism (is that a word?) to go on. So much so, that, if we see someone wearing the "other" teams colors or logo we can scream, yell, and holler at them. They can nod back and everyone calls it good and nods in approval (and enjoyment).

Now, take the term "religious fanatic." Whoa, that is a cold, ruthless, term. We'll let people rant and rave and party over their sports team, but I make a comment about abortion, evolution, or express my Salvation and I am "one of those religious fanatics." I am not open minded and will hear no one out. I always think/say I am right and am holy than everybody. Obviously, I come no where close to believing that, but many do. Even without getting to know me or having a conversation with them. Yet, we let people slde on their sports fanaticism (there's that word again) and close-mindness:

"They can't help themselves."
"They went to school their, or that is the city they grew up in."
"It's no big deal. That's taking to the extreme don't you think?"

You're right it is no big deal, but where you spend eternity is! If I wear a Christian T-shitrt or read my Bible at lunch, I am a "Jesus Freak."

Today I wore a green and white shirt to work and emailed some UM fans the MSU fight song. The response was pretty much rolling of the eyes and whatevers. Not, I am a freak, or fanatic. I do not want to hear that garbage. Etc.

Right on Brian, you are so right. What a horrible inconsistency that is.

Hold on, I am not done........

Unfortunately, I think mahy times, we Christians fall into the same trap. More likely to express our fandom for a sports team than for Jesus. We'll overhear a sharp comment about the church or Christianity and not even respond to it or shrug it off. But get an email or hear a comment about your favorite team and you'll fire something back. I know I am guilty of it many times.

Do not take for granted the fact that you think others take for granted the fact that you are Christian.

What was that?

Meaning, you've let people know you are a believer. Do not assume they will always remember that or come to you in time with questions or when you think they think they are ready for salvation. We have to make sure to ALWAYS remind people of this. I do not mean we remind in terms of going around making off comments like a high-schooler. but our actions, and conversation, and the way we present ourselves tells them all this, on a daily basis.

It's ok to be a fan of your team and celebrate their achievements and wear your school colors. But make sure to wear God's colors and fly his flag as well. God's team should be Team A, everything else afterwards.

Have fun, enjoy the football season and GO GREEN

My prediction - MSU - 40 UM - 20

Until next time

Brian