Priorities: Where does Church Softball fit into the local Church?

Boy do I love playing softball with everyone! I had forgotten how much I missed it. I love seeing everyone one extra time a week, I love cheering for others as they do well, I love watching the children play with each other during the game, I love how all the kids lineup after the games to run and hit like their dads and moms! With that in mind, I just want to remind everyone that we are setting examples for the younger ones and for anyone watching. Many times what we do speaks more loudly than what we say. Our kids and teenagers see things and are making mental notes based on our priorities. If dad can have the family re-arrange their schedule, including homework, meals, what time he gets out of work, etc. for a softball game, they begin to see that this is something dad really enjoys and thinks is important. If dad is exhausted from work, but is able to play softball that night it says something. What are they seeing by how we treat other, more central, church activities like worship, prayer meeting, and Sunday School?

We are taught in Scripture not to forsake the assembling of ourselves. This is a biblical command, something that is required of us, something that we ought to delight in as believers, and something that is good for our souls. Softball is for fun and extended fellowship. It can have a wonderful place in the life of a church. However, it is to add to or be extra to the faithful attendance and participation in the main corporate gatherings of the body. So, as much as I want to see many out at the softball diamond, I would much rather worship with you all, pray with you all, and learn from God’s word together. The best scenario is if we can Worship, Pray, Learn, and Play together. We need all of it, but we also need to make sure our priorities stay lined up.