"Force outs"

I just learned last night that the NFL did away with one of the most arbitrary but “fun” rules it ever had.  It was rarely called in the pros, but anyone who has ever played pickup ball in their front yard knows the fun of calling “force out.”  the “force out” rule was eliminated in 2008 but I just learned about it last night.  Coaches, defenders and most especially officials were happy the arbitrary rule was done away with.  It was an easy call in our front yard. If you went up for a ball near the sidelines (where the grass gave way to asphalt) and were as much as breathed on by the defender you’d yell - “force out” and your team would get the ball at that point.  You did have to be aware that if you called it, it would be used against you later by the other team, but, hey, a completion was a completion - and three would get you an automatic first down! I can’t remember the last time I saw it called in the NFL, I suppose that is why it went for three years without me realizing it wasn’t even a rule anymore.  They just didn’t call it. But now that it is no more I’m ready for the church to do away with it too. Don’t let someone else push you out of bounds, to the sidelines, out of play!  The church, the Lord’s Work, the business of the Master is too significant to blame someone else for your decision to become disconnected.  The past, the present, the hurt, the injustice, the decision you didn’t like, whether you like the preacher’s style or haircut, if you like the way elders are selected or even who they are are all small potatoes to your usefulness for helping the Lord drag people out of darkness and lostness to salvation.  If you were hurt or disappointed I do understand and hurt with you but don’t take it out on the Lord or the lost.

This is on YOU!

2 Thessalonians 3:13 “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Revelation 2:2-3a :“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.”

1 Corinthains 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

And, if you feel someone pushing you out, let me know. I know Someone who will deal with them. But for you - NO "FORCE OUT'S" - don't let them.