FIRST PERSON: He Autographs Our Hearts
by Brett Maragni, bpsports.net
One of the perks of growing up in the home of a journalist was my dad’s penchant for getting baseball autographs for me.
Personalized autographs from Cardinal greats Stan Musial and Lou Brock, home run king Hank Aaron (he’s still the home run king in my book), hits king Pete Rose and other All-Stars from the late 1970s and early 1980s adorned my wall as a kid. I was proud of those autographs.
In my late teens God called me to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and my interest in autographs was revived. Only this time, I sought the autographs of well-known Bible preachers and Christian leaders. When the opportunity arose, I would ask them to sign my Bible: the fiery evangelist Bailey Smith, the world-renowned expositor W. A. Criswell, the enthusiastic motivator Zig Ziglar and the popular radio teacher John MacArthur are a few examples.
As the years passed the baseball autographs ended up in a box in the attic, the autographed Bible became worn out and my interest in autographs pretty much disappeared. The last time I remember seeking out an autograph I was standing in line and thinking, “This is ridiculous. Why am I doing this? This man is just flesh and blood like me. He may be a great preacher, but why should I have him sign my Bible? It’s not like he’s the author. In fact, I know the Author personally! I can talk to Him anytime I want.”
I left the line and have never sought another autograph since. From that day forward I had a different view of athletes, as well as “Christian” celebrities. I realized that they are like grass that withers. The longer time would march on, their fame would fade and their autographs would mean next to nothing.
Now I have a couple of boys, one of whom recently finished his third season of little league. He is not interested in baseball cards or autographs yet, but I suspect that is just around the corner. So my coolness toward autographs is starting to thaw a little. After all, it is pretty fun getting an autograph!
So how will I go about this? First, I hope to instill in my sons an interest in athletes who are either exemplary Christians or those who carry themselves in an honorable way. Children look for role models. It is better that I try to guide them toward good models rather than let them choose their models indiscriminately.
Second, I will talk about how by asking someone for an autograph we are honoring that person, letting them know that we appreciate their hard work and accomplishments. The Bible tells us to give honor to those whom it is due, and this is a way to honor someone.
Third, and most important, I will talk to them about how cool it is to get an autograph, but also point out to them how an autograph from a man pales in comparison to the fact that the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, can sign something for them as well. Centuries ago the prophet Jeremiah said that God will write His law on our hearts. Even more exciting, as they trust in Christ, He will also write their names down in His book in heaven.
Brett Maragni is senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel of Jacksonville, Fla.
One of the perks of growing up in the home of a journalist was my dad’s penchant for getting baseball autographs for me.
Personalized autographs from Cardinal greats Stan Musial and Lou Brock, home run king Hank Aaron (he’s still the home run king in my book), hits king Pete Rose and other All-Stars from the late 1970s and early 1980s adorned my wall as a kid. I was proud of those autographs.
In my late teens God called me to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and my interest in autographs was revived. Only this time, I sought the autographs of well-known Bible preachers and Christian leaders. When the opportunity arose, I would ask them to sign my Bible: the fiery evangelist Bailey Smith, the world-renowned expositor W. A. Criswell, the enthusiastic motivator Zig Ziglar and the popular radio teacher John MacArthur are a few examples.
As the years passed the baseball autographs ended up in a box in the attic, the autographed Bible became worn out and my interest in autographs pretty much disappeared. The last time I remember seeking out an autograph I was standing in line and thinking, “This is ridiculous. Why am I doing this? This man is just flesh and blood like me. He may be a great preacher, but why should I have him sign my Bible? It’s not like he’s the author. In fact, I know the Author personally! I can talk to Him anytime I want.”
I left the line and have never sought another autograph since. From that day forward I had a different view of athletes, as well as “Christian” celebrities. I realized that they are like grass that withers. The longer time would march on, their fame would fade and their autographs would mean next to nothing.
Now I have a couple of boys, one of whom recently finished his third season of little league. He is not interested in baseball cards or autographs yet, but I suspect that is just around the corner. So my coolness toward autographs is starting to thaw a little. After all, it is pretty fun getting an autograph!
So how will I go about this? First, I hope to instill in my sons an interest in athletes who are either exemplary Christians or those who carry themselves in an honorable way. Children look for role models. It is better that I try to guide them toward good models rather than let them choose their models indiscriminately.
Second, I will talk about how by asking someone for an autograph we are honoring that person, letting them know that we appreciate their hard work and accomplishments. The Bible tells us to give honor to those whom it is due, and this is a way to honor someone.
Third, and most important, I will talk to them about how cool it is to get an autograph, but also point out to them how an autograph from a man pales in comparison to the fact that the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, can sign something for them as well. Centuries ago the prophet Jeremiah said that God will write His law on our hearts. Even more exciting, as they trust in Christ, He will also write their names down in His book in heaven.
Brett Maragni is senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel of Jacksonville, Fla.
posted by Lon at 4:17 PM
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