Back in the early 1980's a Kentucky high school cheerleader was faced with a problem: her coach told her that a practice was scheduled for Wednesday evening.  The teen told her instructor that she could not attend the practice since Wednesday night was a church night for her family.  The girl was told that if she missed the practice she would be kicked off the squad.  Her response to her coach was priceless.  She said, "I am not a cheerleader who happens to be a Christian; I am a Christian who happens to be a cheerleader!"   And off to church she went.  (Guess what?  She did not lose her spot on the team!)

That courageous teen teaches all of us a valuable lesson about priorities.  It wasn't a church function she put above cheerleading: it was Christ!   We live in a society that is growing progressively hostile to Jesus.  Even those who feign "tolerance" towards Christianity usually qualify it by saying, "Religion is alright…in its place."

 

Well, guess what?  Jesus' "place" in the life of a Christian is right at the front of the line!  His mission, His values, His priorities are the mission, values and priorities of His followers.  I can't say that standing up for Jesus won't cost you anything: it very well may.  Then again, by standing up for Christ you just may accomplish something worth-while.   The cheerleader didn't lose her spot on the team: apparently her coach was impressed by someone willing to stand up for what is really important.

 

See ya Sunday!

Bill