Spectators
Is it not amazing how many professional spectators turn out to be professional critics? These spectators are always experts that know (or knew) exactly what ought to be done. They know exactly when the umpire was right, and when he ought to be killed. If the play works, it was brilliant coaching and just exactly what they would have done. If the play does not work, anybody ought to have had better sense than to have sent in that play.
Have you ever noticed that we also have many spectator Christians? These also sometimes turn out to be critical, cold, contemptuous, and cynical. Their main goal is to observe and criticize, and not to be committed to the work. If our work succeeds, it is a brilliant bit of organizing and executing. But, if it does not succeed, anybody ought to have been able to come up with a better program.
What the church needs is more participators, not spectators. We need more people who will get the work done. Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work." (John 9:4)
– Max Patterson, 4438 South 89th Road, Bolivar, MO 65613-8012
