Superbowl

It is just a football game...but the hype, the marketing, the food , the parties, the ads, the halftime, the stories of the players, the waging... all are a part of the whole lead up that elevates this one football game into being a true country event! Two opponents...who have conquered their offensive and defensive odds, overcome injuries and adversities, and persevered through some good calls and as well as controversial ones were tapped as the two outstanding teams to prevail in standings of rate and record. Whether you are a football fan or not...( I admit I am a football junkie) it was a topic of discussion that hardly was able to be sidestepped....through a passing comment or grocery store signage or even a public announcement at church that all evening classes will resume the following Sunday. Superbowl Sunday was not to be ignored.

So, if two football teams can cause such a stir of attention merely through a competitive playbook taken to the competitive fields of play for 6 months why is it that we as Christians are so lukewarm about a stirring event that effects each of our lives that happened over two thousand years ago that still remains in active status?

There are two teams....there is a playing field...there is a coach for each team and there will be a winner and a loser. But the competition continues and will continue as long as there are living beings on this earth. The roster changes, for some are retired, some benched, some prone to injury, some are substituted based on rhythm or talent or ability, while others are needed on the sidelines for support and overseeing adjustments that need to be made. But each of us living on this earth is a part of one team or the other...and we battle accordingly. As Christians, it is our responsibility to study and learn the skills and know the playbook, and respectfully submit to the discipline required and trusted experience of the calls of Christ, our coach. Our plays will not always deem success but as a team we will stand united in order to gain momentum and to persevere. The other team plays by their own rules...not rules of truth or integrity...rather rules of pride and self centered motivation, generated by a playbook of fear or manipulation.

Unlike our college and professional football leagues where there are many teams competing...in the heavenly realm there are only two...and both teams vie in very different ways for our souls and our sold out patronage. One stands on grounds (foundation) of truth the other lies. And unlike football....we are not part of clamoring draft. Though invitations are extended on both sides...the choice remains in our hands as to which team we will play for. Do we play our lifetime game on God's side or not? God's team will be the one that ultimately prevails! For the outcome is already established by God, the ultimate authority! It is he who presides over the battle and knows what will be as he looks through the windows of His eternity... and at the fall of the competition. We, on the Christian team may get kicked around and tackled,stomped in or intercepted and pushed back for a loss...but we will ultimately be winners in God's eternal kingdom.

The game is rough and tough and competition is great...but as we go out on the field we, as Christian teammates, must remember:
1) Our coach is the best of the best...he is perfect in design, in strategy and in follow through. He is in a "Hall of Fame" that has no other possible contenders.

2) Teammates, though they are volunteers, are being molded and trained according to what is best for Christ's team through purpose and plan.

3) God is watching from his towering throne and everyday making adjustments in our lives that will make for his ultimate victory

4) This team is the best...for it far outweighs its competition ...in strength, in courage, in perseverance, in ability and in talents...in FAITH

5) We are going to take some hits...the play isn't easy...and many times discouragement and grief and pain is likely to set in....but we will prevail is we stay focused on Christ's coaching and not try to take on the heat of adversity on our own

6) The score that we often see and try to settle on this earth doesn't matter....we are guaranteed victory in the eyes of our Lord! He is the one who dominates His heavenly scoreboard.

7) We are all capable of being winners when we remain true to Christ and his ways.

8) It is important to play as team...both on an offensive front as well as a defensive front. For there will be times when we need help to stop the opposition and times when we need help running the course and accomplishing our goals.

9) We must be willing to accept the plays that are sent in...for perspective from "our" ground is not nearly as effective or clear as things seen from "above" and passed down to our sideline coach (Jesus) for our opportune advantage.

10) Be confident...Be focused, and be filled with the Spirit of Christ. For the battles are before us each day...and the fight is on...for it is a battle of God's good vs Satan's evil and God's competition is not interested in fair play...evil is manipulative and seedy and its greatest task is to unravel a united front whose focus and dependency is on Christ.

As Christians we are called into battle...and onto the playing field of life. Just as the football players have to tape and pad...we too have to put on our armor....so that we are protected and ready for the hits that life sends our way. Christ is pulling for us and no matter how slim our odds may seem to be....we will be victorious....if we cling to his way and stay close to his side.
Ephesians 6:10-11 The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.


The hype of the true Superbowl continues to be overshadowed and sidestepped and plagued with controversy. But the truth remains steadfast....the battle is real...it lies in the fields of our thoughts, our minds, our hearts and bodies. It is an unseen battle of the spirits...paradoxically while one side is vying for control... the other submits to heavenly authority. It would seem like the one vying for control would have the advantage....with a seemingly aggressive tendency but in reality it is the gentle yet mighty powerful influence of confidence, faith and trust that comes from the grace of God himself to each of us that gives us the advantage over any battle we are faced with .
Dear Lord...Help me to choose to accept your invitation to be your team...in my daily battles....when I am in the midst of conflict. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!