How do you play this game? …

Does anyone really understand the sport of cricket?

I was in Melbourne, Australia when the renovation of the cricket stadium was opening and a massive crowd was expected. I had never been to (or even watched) a cricket game and so I thought it would be a great thing to do while in Australia.

To prepare myself, I spoke with a few people at the hotel I was staying at about the game. I asked them if they could explain the sport to me so I could understand it when I went to watch the competition at the stadium.

They could not.

Literally, they looked at each other, fumbled with their words, and finally suggested I ask people at the stadium to explain the game to me.

So I made my way to the stadium and, once seated, asked some people sitting around me if they would explain the sport to me.

They could not.

A few managed to describe a few aspects about the game, but they finally gave up and suggested I simply watch the competition and learn by observation.

So I did.

The competition started at about 9 a.m. By around noon, I was “getting it” a little. But the play continued throughout the afternoon. By 4 p.m. I decided I had enough of cricket (the competition actually continued on until about 6 p.m.!). I had taken in a new Aussie experience, enjoyed my time with the crowd, remained somewhat perplexed by the sport, and still had not found anyone who could really explain the game to me.

Not a single person.

That may sound odd, until you compare it to how few Christians can tell you what they believe and why.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”

Just like my experience wanting to understand the sport of cricket, there will be people who will want to understand your faith. Are you prepared to give an answer? Or would you find yourself, like my Aussie friends, fumbling for words and give up even trying?

Let me encourage you to prepare yourself with answers to your faith. Think through what you believe and why you believe it, and then simplify that into a cohesive and concise message you can communicate to others. If this preparation seems daunting to you, ask for help from leaders in your church. I am confident you will find help in your church to prepare you to be able to communicate your faith to others.

Being prepared to communicate your faith will make you more confident to do so, and might even motivate you to look for opportunities to share.

And the good news? Explaining your faith may well be easier than explaining the sport of cricket!

Scotty