Does God Like Football?

Courtesy AyD Photography

Does God like football? Undoubtedly, this is the most ‘Texas’ question of all time. Does He like sports? For that matter, does He like competition in any form? Well yes, I think He likes competition when it teaches his lessons in a way that no preacher could voice. I believe God uses whatever means necessary to communicate and teach us about him. When the players learn obedience, patience, perseverance, discipline and servitude in the form of teamwork, it is all about His values and not the world’s.

One of the first things we were told when we moved to this little Texas town was that this town was not a ‘football town’. And after 11 years, we've seen more L’s than W’s, confirming this declaration. Year after year, we have watched as our little team rung up more personal fouls than touchdowns. We have seen coaches come and go and we have seen parents move their kids away to an adjacent winning school in hopes of better results. However, slowly, the tables have turned.

Normally when our team was down, the penalties were relentless in play after play. Several years

ago, I noticed an attitude change in the coaching leadership and staff. It was no longer about the wins and losses, but about the kids and sportsmanship. For me, one of the first evidences of this attitude change came on a particular night early this season when we were behind on homecoming and the coaches, and consequently the team, kept their composure and focus. I realized that our team had turned the corner when we came back from behind in the second half of that game.

I believe football is a gift from God, but anything can be made an idol, and for the most part, sports have that place in the USA. Many times I see parents forfeiting their child’s spiritual development in exchange for non-stop games and practices. This is the very definition of idolatry. And idolatry is the big ‘numero uno’ sin against God. This is when we forget who is in charge. 

In my small town, I have unexpectedly been able to see the good side of sports again. Funny how I couldn’t see it until the wins started rolling in. These kids get to see coaches who have many of the qualities of our Father in heaven. And for some, that is the only good father-figure they will ever know. 

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV [28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. [29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Perception Is Not Reality

‘Perception is reality’ is a common saying, but have you ever stopped to think about this? Is it possible that my opinions, thoughts and understanding on any given topic are not reality? This can be a disturbing thought. Yet, if I never stop and consider this, it is more likely to be true!  If you have ever known someone who thinks too highly of himself, you know what I am talking about. This person has a closed mind to any new information. Here is a parable that Jesus told about a Pharisee who thought he knew it all.  

Luke 18:10-14 ESV[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

In this parable, notice that the Pharisee perceived himself as better than others and boldly looked at the God of all creation, while the tax collector understood his shortcomings and took a posture of humility when approaching God. The second man had a grasp on reality. This humble stance was not because he was a tax collector, but because he was human. 

Humility begins when I accept the idea that I could be wrong or have something to learn, realizing that my own understanding is limited. The moment that I become open to the realization that I could be wrong about something, is the moment I get real. This is the pathway to becoming teachable. We can only learn something new if we realize we don’t know it all.  We, as humans, must admit to ourselves that we don’t know much about (fill in the blank)________________. 

I find it interesting that the parable above is followed by this story.

Luke 18:15-17 ESV[15] Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [17] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

Have you ever taught a child anything?  It is rewarding because they learn quickly.  When you teach a small child, you can see change. But teaching adults is an exercise in patience.  Little children accept the fact that they don’t know much and this is why they learn at such an accelerated rate. They are amazed by how much they have to learn and can’t wait to know more.

What if we approached our adult life like a child, waiting expectantly for the next new thing we could learn, absorbing new information like a sponge?  What if we asked God for a childlike attitude toward life? What if we approached God like this?  Then maybe our perception would be closer to our reality.  

Lord please open my mind. May I see myself as a child with so much to learn. May I approach you with awe and wonder.  

Image by Free Photos from Pixabay