Front Runners

Suddenly the New Orleans Saints have our attention. But even now, on the edge of their first ever Super Bowl appearance, they're still the underdog. Nonetheless, their feel good story is attractive to long suffering fans of any sports franchise.

Front runners can't appreciate the disappointments inherent in loyalty to one team. Nor can they understand the depth of joy and celebration that we see in New Orleans today. If the front runner always has your attention, then life is a continual refocusing, nothing more.

We are all susceptible to the front runner syndrome as fad-driven people. The Olive Garden used to poll a region and cook whatever Texans thought Italian food was in Dallas or Houston or San Angelo. Churches try to cook up a ministry based on a plan that's effective in another universe. If we only copy the recipe, we'll get the same results, maybe better!

But following Jesus doesn't come prepackaged anymore than front-runners make fans. So Jesus had sharp words for Peter, whose own words and actions resembled that of a front runner. (Mark 8:31-32) Like focusing on one team only, the heart of ministry is about our willingness to enter into the pain and struggle of others, not our need to look successful.