Why Oakland Raiders Fans Would Make A Great Church – pt 9
Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 4:27 AM Devotion
To sum up this 9-part series, Raiders fans would make a great church because of their devotion. Seriously! What other group of people do you know that are so passionate about a team that is… well… let’s just say, less than stellar in their performance… winning, on average, less than 4 of 16 games for the past FIVE YEARS?
From the pre-game party to the last whistle of regulation. From their hatred of the enemy to the Raider Nation pride… these fans are unswervingly devoted. Don’t get me wrong, when the Raiders play like crap, these fans let them know. But they would never veer from their unyielding devotion. NEVER! You don’t have to worry about ‘losing them’ to some other team. That’s just not an option. Once a Raider, always a Raider.
My first experience with Raider devotion led me out of Sacramento at 2:00pm for the Monday night festivities. We got back at midnight… and that included leaving the game a little early (they got killed). That’s 10 hours of investment. TEN HOURS! It takes devotion to leave work early, load up all the gear we had (including a grill, table, 4 chairs, cornhole, a 36” flat panel TV, Direct TV Satellite dish, generator, and cooler of drinks, tri-tip and brauts), and shell out money for gas, propane and food.
DEVOTION IS COSTLY! And Raiders fans don’t care. Why? Cause it’s worth it. To be a part of the team. To be a part of something bigger than they are. To be a part of Raider Nation. It’s not for the weak of heart. It’s the real deal.
THAT is what believers should take from this blog. Devotion is costly. It’s not for the weak of heart. Being a part of God’s “nation” (kingdom) is worth it. It is a privilege to sacrifice our time and treasure for the cause. To be a part of something MUCH bigger than we are. And our team wins… guaranteed. May those of us in the church, followers of Christ, be more like Raiders fans. The church would be more effective, more powerful, and a lot more fun!
Reader Comments (4)
After Reading all the 9-part series I just wanted to say to you that I thought this was a very inspirational, very powerful teaching and truly makes you think about how people should act towards Jesus Christ and the church then most people do.
Thanks a lot David - appreciate the kind words of affirmation.
Well, I read all of the 9 pt Series of a Die Hard Raiders Fan. Yes, you are RIGHT. We all should be like a Raiders Fan for Jesus and the church. Great article. Loved it. You rock.
Thanks Tamogene... the good part is - we have a winning team !