In my sermon last Sunday I mentioned the passion and importance in their lives assigned to the Washington Redskins by many folks from back home.  For generations, the home games have been sold out; season tickets are the source of serious family squabbles when the estate is divided, or there is a divorce; the winning percentage of the team dictates the extent to which one sees logo-festooned hats, shirts, pants, and jackets shielding the locals from the elements.  I used to see a car from time to time that was completely covered with Redskins bumper stickers.  I mean every inch, except for the windows, lights and signals.

Folks really can get wrapped up in things sometimes.

This all was intended to serve as an example of what Jesus was talking about when he said that people tend to become preoccupied with distracting notions (Matthew 6:24-34). 

Another one I mentioned was the church’s hang-ups on money.  How many meetings in how many churches across the nation are focused on money?  How many church fights have money as the issue?  How many people find salvation in money?  How many churches discern their mission and ministry through money? (Lots and lots.  Too many to count.  None.  Zero.)

For churches, money is an ever-present issue.  If they don’t have it, they obsess on how to get it.  If they have it, then they focus on how to hold onto it.  So many of us can quote the latest interest rates, investment and money market opportunities, but can't locate the Beatitudes in the Bible.  Jesus advised, “Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

We would rather be in control, I suppose.  We would rather make sure we get what we need, instead of taking a chance on God, despite the promises and assurances of scripture (See especially Genesis through Revelation).

But in the making sure, we lose sight of what is important and essential to begin with:  getting to know God and, as a result, being a blessing to others.  So, we lash ourselves to our obsessions.

Several years ago, I stopped in the grocery store on a Sunday afternoon – during a Redskins game.  The cashier asked me how the game was going.  I replied, “I don’t know.  I’m not watching it.”  And in a way that was half-facetious and half not, I added, “I feel so free!”