Reminders From the Iron Bowl

This past Saturday was one of the most important football games of the year IF you are a fan of Alabama or Auburn. Believe it or not, this game takes precedent over the national championship game. The purpose of this article is not to discuss whether or not one team is better than the other or who should have one. Rather I’d like to discuss a few things I was reminded of while I watched the end of the game.

1.       Christians could accomplish much if their zeal for the church matched that of college football. As soon as the game ended Facebook was either filled with pomp and circumstance or sulking. While there is nothing wrong with rooting for our favorite team I cannot help but wonder why so many individuals choose to live and die by a football game. The early Christians literally lived and died for the cause of Christ. Why? There is something better than a football game which awaits Christians. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Do not let a sport overshadow your love of Christ and lost souls.

2.      The Importance of Being Prepared. I can tell you one of the main reasons why the game winning touchdowns was scored. It was a lack of preparation on the part of the opposing team. Alabama was not prepared for the possibility of Auburn returning a failed field goal and lost the game. There are too many who are unprepared for the future return of Christ. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” (1 Thess. 5:2). Christ is not going to schedule the time which is best for our schedules. He will come at a time in which many people will be unprepared. Will you be one of them?

3.      Joy Comes to the Victor. No one likes to be on the losing side. While it is just a game one cannot help but feel a little low after a loss. Why? There is joy found by being on the winning side. All one has to do is look at the aftermath of the game and see that even the most humble of losers were unhappy. Christians and Non-Christians alike should be reminded of where victory is found. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1. Cor. 15:57). Thanks to Christ those who are obedient to His Will can enjoy the joy that comes with victory. Victory over sin, death, and the world.

Maybe there is someone reading this who is not a Christian but is interesting in becoming one. Remember that true faith comes from God’s Word (Rom. 10:17). One has to believe that Word (Heb. 11:6) and repent of their sins (Luke 13:3). That same one also has to be willing to confess Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37) and be baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16). Remember the need of being prepared and how joy comes to those who are victorious.