Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 8:1)
Expanded Passage: Romans 8:1
“Les, Pete Rose played left field.” Herb Tarleck, fictional sales manager from sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati, used the line to inspire his less-than-enthusiastic and less-than-athletic coworker to play the position in a softball game. Les Nessman, the reluctant leftfielder, considered it a meaningless position. Tarleck’s words changed his mind. Why? Because of association. If Pete Rose played leftfield, then leftfield must be important. Shift to real life: Major League Baseball has a lifetime ban on Pete Rose despite Rose being the league’s lifetime hit leader with over 4,200 career hits. Having admitted to gambling on the game as a player and manager, Rose landed on the permanently ineligible list and cannot enter the Hall of Fame. Whereas Nessman wanted to be associated with Rose, Major League Baseball would prefer to keep their distance.
We are known by our associations, aren’t we? Young people are encouraged to be around the right people and to avoid spending time with the wrong crowd. Paul uses a similar picture by proclaiming the glory of being associated with Christ—of being in Christ. Swiss theologian Karl Barth affirmed that humankind’s greatest dignity is that God became human in Jesus Christ. God has associated with us in Jesus Christ, providing a way for our salvation. If you are associating with Jesus by faith, then, rather than being guilty by association, you are exonerated by it!
Show and share the dignity that comes with being associated with Christ.
Aaron Perry serves as director of Wesleyan academic initiatives for Education and Clergy Development of The Wesleyan Church.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
