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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
I Will Never Forget "Toppy"
Some things happen to us in life that can never be forgotten. They make such an impact that it is indelibly recorded in our mind.
“Toppy” was a young man who was a member of the congregation where we attended. His mother was one of my first Bible teachers. “Toppy” (I don’t know where that name came from) was four years older than I, and he was a quality athlete.
On the football team he was the quarterback, winning several honors for his ability. But the main thing I recall about him was not his athletic ability, but the example he set for me and for other young people at that old North Side congregation.
The setting for that memorable incident began in the decision of the elders to schedule a Gospel Meeting one October week, from Sunday through the next Sunday. That was not unusual, but it set the stage for at least one decision that must have been a most difficult one.
On the Thursday night of that week, our High School football team was to play Paschal High School, our biggest rival. You can easily see the dilemma Toppy faced. His parents did not tell him what to do, for they had already taught him what it means for a Christian to have his life’s priorities in order.
He could, of course, go ahead and play the game – what everyone expected him to do. Or, he could be present in the assembly of the saints – what no one expected him to do.
By now, you realize what he did, and I will never forget how that had an impact on me. Never again could I think a ball game – or anything – should take precedence over my priorities as a Christian. Several young men and women came from that congregation with a determination to be faithful, zealous Christians, and Toppy’s decision was a major factor in their choice.
How easy it would have been for him to say that he was expected to play, and all were “counting on him” to lead in the game. Would he not be letting his teammates down if he missed it – or came late? Did God really expect him to miss that most important game?
Some criticized the elders for putting him in that difficult position. Others likely thought he was foolish or self-righteous, but most knew him as a young man whose convictions always determined his actions.
In an age in which most are living only for the present, it may seem a bit odd for anyone to have made such a choice, but that is what Christians must do every day. And every choice has the potential for having an impact on someone. His decision made a lasting impression on me, and had you been there it would have been the same for you.
I never had exactly the same choice to make, but never again could a game be more important than my commitment to Christ.
If you have become a child of God, “risen with Christ,” then you have said to Him and everyone else that you have “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth,” Colossians 3:1-2. Christians do not serve God only when it is “convenient” to do so. It was not “convenient” for Christ to die on the cross, but He willingly did so. It was not “convenient” for our Heavenly Father to give His Son for us, but He did.
There are young people right here in this congregation who will have opportunity to make a similar impact on their peers, but they may have to choose Christ over baseball, band or some other activities.
Yes, all the other qualities of a Christian had to be there first, such as meekness, humility, integrity, courtesy. If Toppy had been a “jerk” his choice might have done as much harm as it did good, but he was humble in spirit, consistent in his convictions, kind and respectful to students and teachers alike.
You don’t have to be the “star” of the team to do the right thing. You may not have to make the same choice Toppy made, but you will have to decide whether or not you are going to be a Christian.
God is our Friend, not our enemy, and He has always stood ready to forgive us when we make the wrong choices. Young and old alike will be making similar decisions, such as, What will be most important in my life: my family, my golf game, my hobby, my job, my education – or my opportunity to serve God?” Only you can make your decision, but don’t forget that many are watching, and your choice will have an impact on many others. It’s up to you.
I have forgotten who won that game – though it was important then. But I will never forget Toppy.
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“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me,”
“Nothing is so contagious as example, and our every really good or bad action inspires a similar one.”
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt,”
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Choosing a Religion
Many sincere people have been caused by false teaching to believe that a person should choose a religion on the basis of convenience and preference, like a housewife selects a loaf of bread, or a bar of soap. Many members of denominational churches admit that they selected a church only because of its size, its popularity, or its nearness to their residence.
Many people who would eagerly go a long distance to see some entertainment would not travel one mile to scripturally worship God, although Jesus says, “God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 8:24).
Jesus did not build a multiplicity of churches so that people could find a church corresponding with their own preference. This is what the Lord Himself said: “…upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
The apostle Paul says: “And he is head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).
“But now are they many members, yet but one body” (1 Corinthians 12:20).
I earnestly urge you to diligently study your Bible, especially Acts of the Apostles and the epistles of Paul, Peter, John, James and Jude, and then adamantly refuse to embrace any religion except the undenominational Christianity which is plainly described therein; because, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Book of God, by which all men will be judged in the last day (Revelation 20:11-15), clearly says: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). See also 1 Corinthians 10:12.
Let us never forget that our Lord Jesus Christ declared that “…Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13).
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