I had a great time in Brazil this past month. This is the fourth time I have gone, and I appreciate it more and more every time. There are many things I like, but one thing I especially find disturbing.
First let me share some of the things I love about Brazil: Acai is my favorite midafternoon treat. The coffee is generally better but, unlike Americans, their large coffee is only 8 ounces. I have to order two every time. After living in NYC for ten years and loving New York-style pizza I still find Brazilian pizza to be excellent, even the banana and cheese or Nutella and banana pizza. You may not call it pizza but don't knock it until you try it. Also, outside dining is everywhere year-round.
Brazilians know how to celebrate. Whether it is kids and parents dancing in a pool while spraying foam or throwing colored powder on the beach, there is an uninhibited joy and freedom. They have the ability to not take themselves too seriously. Given all of this it does make me think about how much more celebration and joy there will be in the presence of the Lord someday.
What is disturbing, outside of Brazil’s unique fashion choice of wearing speedos, is the number of people sporting New York Yankees hats. It's unclear if they realize they are representing the 'evil empire,' they probably don't even know who Aaron Judge is! (yes, I am a Red Sox fan) Everywhere I went, a Yankee hat. I noticed it more on this trip than on my previous trips to Brazil. It's a cultural phenomenon that I found intriguing. Some might have visited New York City, and the NY Yankees represents New York for them, not the Yankees per se. However, I did not see any New York Mets. Ironically, the only other baseball hats I saw were a few people wearing Red Sox hats. They may or may not be aware of the rivalry.
Wearing the Yankees hat, while not being a fan, reminds me of people who wear a cross and have no clue what it means. There are no real consequences if you are not aware of a sports team, but much more significant consequences if you do not know what it means for Christ to have died for your sins. I recently read in my devotional.
“In the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.”
(2 Timothy 3:1-2, 4-5)
What does it look like to have an appearance of godliness but deny its power? It is someone who keeps up a show of observing religion's outward forms but renounces its power and influence over their heart and life. It is someone who does not want God's guidance in their lives, especially when the Lord challenges their preferences, worldview, and habits.
Just because you wear a Yankees hat (at least in Brazil) does not mean you are a Yankee fan. I don't mind leaving Brazilians in the dark about the Yankees. Yet we all should desire to share the joy of Christ with those who appear as Christians and deny God's power so that one day we can celebrate together our redeemer and lover of our souls.
