Cup Fever

As many of you know, I come from Montréal a city in the French part of Canada. Now, Aside from the two cheek "kiss," Montréal is best known for its hockey madness. When the Canadiens are in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup Championship there is a total media blitz about the team and its chances to score the biggest prize in hockey.

In addition to the news coverage there is also a sense of brotherhood that this sport has fostered among the people of this city. Haitian cab drivers and Polish firefighters along with Russian engineers and political rivals all sport the Canadiens flag on their cars. There is no need for compromise when it comes to winning the Cup. Everybody cheers when the Habs win because there is nothing that brings all Montrealers together like Cup fever.

It is interesting to note that one other place I see this kind of coming together is in the local congregation located in the south-central part of the city called the Ville-Émard Church of Christ. People from different cultures and languages enthusiastically praising, serving, and sharing their Lord. No need for special committees or laws to maintain the peace and foster respect, only one rule necessary:

Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
- Luke 6:31

Of course, as exciting as the competition for the Stanley Cup might be, I am confident that we have the better deal. You see, if the Canadiens win, only the team will receive the reward and we will remain spectators. In the church however, each one will receive the crown of eternal life, not just the star players.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
- I Peter 5:4

Oh yes, and one other thing: if the Habs lose somewhere along the way, the excitement will be over. In the church, the victory that guarantees our crown has already been won by Jesus Christ. So, our unity and enthusiasm are based on what we already have, not what we might win.

Have a great week filled with blessings from God. As we say in French, a bientôt.