Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Whether you rooted for the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday, life’s reality is no different: Sometimes we win. Sometimes we lose.

Have you ever considered the similarities between a football game and life? Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said it well, “Football is like life—it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.”

I cannot help but see undeniable commonalities between football players and Christ followers. There are football players and then there are football players. Likewise, there are Christ followers and then there are Christ followers.

What’s the degree of difference between the two? I would argue that it’s the level of dedication, especially as it pertains to the characteristics Lombardi identified.

Perseverance – keeping on keeping on, especially when facing struggles, develops and fine tunes our relationship with God (Romans 5:3-5).

Self-Denial – saying “no” to our sinful desires and holding fast to Jesus is our way of saying “yes” to the will of God (Titus 2:12).

Hard Work – working has been part of God’s plan for us from the beginning. “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it” (Genesis 2:15).

Sacrifice – giving our time, talents, and resources for the benefit of others is honoring God (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Dedication – having a passion for God that draws us to him and motivates us to live for him (1 Peter 1:13).

Respect – “Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

True confession: Too much of my life has been wasted playing “church” rather than living out my faith. God was not the center of my heart’s desires. By limiting myself to going through the motions instead of actively growing closer to God, I couldn’t see the importance of his place in my life.

Thankfully, he never left me. I am grateful for his love, grace, and mercy as he patiently waited for me to seek out and come to believe the promises in his Word.

Jeremiah 32:39
“And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants.”

As a fully dedicated Christ follower, I have every confidence he longs to do the same for you!

Questions:
Which of Lombardi’s characteristics do you need to work on to better live out your faith? What does Jeremiah 32:39 mean to you?

Next Steps:
Read what the Bible says about the heart, purpose, and God's goodness.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am grateful your love for mankind exceeds all reasoning and understanding. Your promises to all who submit to you offer eternal life, hope, purpose, and peace. Our souls get weary, and we fall short, yet you still accept us as your own. Thank you for empowering us by the Holy Spirit, when we would otherwise be weak. Help us discover and embrace your purpose, as we strive to live a holy and righteous life this side of heaven. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

This post was written by Karen Peck, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.