THE REAL BIG GAME

     I rarely use other’s material for this bulletin or my blog, but this little article from my friend Neal Pollard out in Denver is just too good not to share.

     Yesterday, professional football fans saw one of the most exciting, improbable victories in its history climaxed by the stunning first play from scrimmage in overtime when Tebow hit Thomas for a playoff, overtime record 80 yards in a playoff, overtime record 11 seconds. Local play-by-play man Dave Logan’s call, which will likely go down in Bronco lore, captures how monumental it was for the underdog Denver team. If you watch ESPN, there will be several highlights of passes, runs, and defensive plays. However, without a doubt, the best play of the day happened up in the stands, almost on the front row in the seats at the 15 yard line. The game was tied, 23-23, and it was about 5:45 P.M. The outcome was completely unknown and very much in doubt. The last minute of regulation, alone, was a pins and needles affair. It was right about then that a Christian husband and father, a deacon in this congregation, told his son, “It’s time for us to go.” The son, a huge Tim Tebow and Broncos fan, was curious as to why. His dad explained, “We’ve got something more important to do.”

     Wait a minute. What is more important than seeing on the biggest sports moments in this town in years? That father knew that the saints were assembling at 6:00 P.M., and he wanted his son to know that worshipping God was the highest priority. Here is a father who is raising his son to enjoy and appreciate those normal “guy things” that will be a source of entertainment for this young man for decades to come.
But, he is also teaching him something infinitely more important! Those earthly diversions and entertainments are subordinate to “kingdom matters” (Mat. 6:33). This father was showing his son Who reigns on the throne of his heart. I pray that this man’s example will influence us all to remember what really matters most in the end.
Thanks, Dean! What a great “play”!

     I know that from time to time we hear about things like this, but this really stands out to me. I can well imagine that Bronco-mania and Tebow-mania has taken Denver by storm. I think those of us in this part of the country know just a little about enthusiasm over sports. After all in the last three years each BCS champion has been from this state! Not too bad.

     The overall point of Neal’s article is very well taken: there are things more important than football. Now, I love watching football, as Ginger can attest. I even love listening to it on the radio as I did Monday night on the road, particularly when the outcome is as good as it was then. But really, in comparison with the destiny of our souls and the life we have in the church, how important is it?

     When I interviewed with Hobbs Street the elders asked a number of reasonable questions about me, my family and what I taught. After we came the members had some questions too. Among those questions was one that had to do with the great rivalry between Alabama and Auburn. I have stayed neutral in this matter in order to save my skin! Still and all, I understand the excitement and commitment that sports and one’s favorite school can generate.

     And we know that all of that has its place. Many other things in this life are important to us, things like family and friends. But first place in importance is reserved for someone else and something else. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Paul said on the same subject to the church at Colossae, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (3:1-2).

     By the way, Neal said that the boy and his dad made it just as the announcements were over. ---Bill Irby