A couple days ago, two 21 year old guys, who were drinking, got onto the baseball field at the Metrodome during a Twins game.  One guy ran into the outfield, but he was not shown on TV.  The one that got the press was the guy who ran down from third base and slid across home plate, seemly safe.  But as he got up to run away, the batboy ran and tackled the guy and held him to the ground until security arrived.  Batboy?  I thought he looked more like Batman coming to save the day from two jokers.  And apparently the local and some national news outlets thought the same.  This scene was played on the Today Show and on Kare11 in Minneapolis.  The focus was on the batboy, not the jokers who ran onto the field.  People like that should not be glamorized.  And I am willing to bet that we would not even be talking about this if the batboy did not make a great tackle worthy of a spot with the Minnesota Vikings.

Then a couple nights ago I was watching Kare11 News and their top story was this scene from the Metrodome.  They replayed it over and over again (I guess it sure beats hearing a top story about a murder or a hit and run). Eventually they talked to the batboy and got his side of the story.  Up to that point I was fine with the story, but not totally thrilled.  Then they talked to the two guys who ran onto the field. 

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? 

These two guys, who were drinking; who broke the law; who made fools of themselves are being given their 15 seconds of fame (actually it probably worked out to be 30 seconds give or take).  But why glamorize these two guys?  Why give them the attention?  They pulled this stunt to get attention and they got it.  Kare11 went too far and when I emailed them yesterday morning about this, they did not even respond to me.  I felt like I was talking into the wind.  Pointless.  A waste of time.  Maybe they will respond later (I will definitely let you know if they do).

But my point in writing this morning is not to vent (even though that is part of the reason).  My point today is two-fold.  First it is to wonder with you about why we like to hold up and glamorize stupidity.  Initially this Metrodome event was funny.  When I first saw this story I chuckled (I will admit that).  I thought it was creative that someone had the nerve to slide across home plate, but I was even more impressed with the tackle at the end.  But why are we drawn to these events?  Maybe it is because they acted in a way we never would.  Maybe we wish we had the nerve to be more bold so we live vicariously through these people.  Maybe there is a small part of each of us that is mischievous even though we would never admit it.  Maybe it is because if the media says it is news worthy, then there must be something to it.  I don’t know.  Leave me a comment to this post if you have an answer.  I would love to read it (as I am sure others would).

But my second point, before I end my ranting this morning, is this:  As Christians we are called to be witnesses of God’s love in this world.  We are called to hold people accountable; naming their sin (but not before we name ours and recognize our shortcomings).  We are called to be kind and gentle.  We are called to recognize wrong; call those people to repentance; and do it out of love.  All the while loving the people, but hating the sin. 

But something tells me I am speaking into the wind (and often times I am).  What do we say to people who would take something like what I have written here and toss it out the window?  Why should we continue to talk if no one will listen. Sometimes I wonder why bother; no one cares.  Why am I wasting my energy (Can you relate?)  I guess what keeps me going is that I do care and I hope you do too.  As long as at least one person cares then we have something.  Change can happen; the gospel will be preached; the kingdom will advance.  If we are speaking into the wind, then we need to speak louder than the wind and not give up.  Let’s live as witnesses to the gospel.  Don’t stay silent. When you see something that is not right say something.  People might not always listen, but if one person does, then you have made a difference.  We don’t need to live vicariously through others or go with the wind; because we have a God who gives us all we need.

Thank you for listening (reading) today.  Thank you for giving this whatever attention you think it deserves.  Speak loud.  Thank you "Batman" for saving the day; for tackling a pair of "Jokers".  May your act be inspiration to us all.  Amen! -EDH-