I just finished my fourth season of watching high school girls’ volleyball, and I still don’t know a whole lot about the game. I enjoy the competition, and I get to support the local athletes and visit with their parents and grandparents in the stands. However, there is much about the game that I still don’t understand, such as: substitution procedures, illegal plays and how the players are positioned on the court. You would think that I would have picked up more of this after four years of watching, but I haven’t.
It recently occurred to me that I am involved in volleyball in much the same way that many people are involved in church. They attend worship regularly. They enjoy the action on Sunday and have a good time talking to the people they see. However, they don’t really understand a lot of what is going on: What is the significance of communion? Why are people being baptized? Is it important that I join in the singing? Why is there such an emphasis on giving money?
If I ever become serious about understanding volleyball, I suppose I could study a rulebook and ask questions of people who know the game.
And if a person wanted to become serious about understanding the church, he or she could study the Book and ask questions of people who understand what is going on.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workmen who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”—2 Timothy 2:15.
California candidates for political office are allowed space on the ballot—3 words or less—to describe themselves to the voters. One person running for office listed on the ballot that he is a “farmer/small businessman”. Another described himself as “doctor/teacher/congressman”.
Jesustrek 