Volume 46   Number 4                                                        December 2003

In the game of basketball, just as is the case in most athletics, there is a plethora of terminology that is used to motivate the players towards winning the contest. One of these quotations that is often cited in basketball games is, "Pass the ball."

Passing the basketball for some people is very hard. The sport of basketball itself is a very selfish sport in its tendencies. When a player touches the basketball, they immediately want to find a way to keep it for themselves, whether it be dribbling around aimlessly or shooting the ball no matter the circumstance. Complete team efforts in basketball are few and far between, with individuals dominating the attention of the press and media.

In Acts the second chapter, Peter and the other apostles had a choice to make. Would they keep the Holy Spirit and the word of God to themselves, or would they spread the Holy Spirit, and preach the word of God. Acts 2:14 "...Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words." Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel, hear these words... " And again in Acts 2:29 "...Let me speak freely to you... " Peter spoke freely and asked the crowd to heed what he was to say, to listen to the word of God.

Peter did not keep the good news to himself. He was not selfish to the point where he kept the gospel of Christ to himself alone. No, Peter preached the word of God along with the rest of the apostles and `3,000 souls were added to them.' (Acts 2:41)

Peter had a chance to keep the basketball, which is the true plan of Salvation, to himself. He could have a been a scripture ball-hog. Instead he reverted to the talent that God had given him, and he passed the ball.

Just as Peter and the other eleven apostles preached the word that day, so should we on this day and everyday to come, if the Lord wills.

In James 4:15, it says that "if the Lord wills, we shall live or do this or that." While living this life here, we need to remember that we have a gift. We have the gift and not just the gift, but the opportunity of the Bible. The Bible is not just something that was left to us, so that we would read it and say `Amen.' It was meant for us to take, use, and pass it on.

We are told, as it says in 2 Timothy 4:2, to "Preach the word! " We're given the opportunity to preach the word, and what more can we ask for or hope for?

As Christians today, we have many opportunities to spread the word of God and shine our lights. These opportunities come in many different shapes and forms. The word can be spread by deeds as well as words. We need to make sure to give thanks for this, as it says in Paul's letter to the Colossians (3:17) "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Do not keep the word of God to yourself. Pass the ball.