From what I understand about football and being able to play
football, you really need to be in good shape. If you’re going to let people knock
you on the ground and pile on top of you just because you’ve got a ball in your
hand you probably should be a tough guy. I never totally understood why you
would put yourself in that position – to get smacked so hard you end up on the
ground with a 300 pound guy (or more than one) sitting on your back.
I guess that’s why they spend a lot of time lifting weights
and drinking protein shakes. If you’re going head to head with someone you want
to be the bigger guy. You also want to be faster and have cooler looking moves
so they can’t keep up with you or catch you (which leads to getting crushed under
a bunch of 300 pound guys.)
I’ve heard of football players who take ballet. It’s either
to learn the fancy footwork or perhaps having your friends make fun of you gets
you all riled up where YOU are the one who crushes the other guy and sits on
his back.
Jesus didn’t play football - at least not our current
American football. But He took care of Himself – even as a child growing up.
Luke 2:52 NAS
And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in
favor with God and men.
Just as a football player has to work every day to have his
body in the best shape possible for the game, a person has to work every day to
increase in wisdom and in favor with God and man. Those who take ballet or do
other extra things find that they are better because they’ve done things to
further their abilities or sharpen their skills. It doesn’t just happen. They
work hard.
Proverbs 9:10 NAS
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
If you’re going to be any good at something – football,
playing the violin, responding to life with wisdom, finding favor with God,
finding favor with others – you have to work at it. You have to practice. If
you never practice throwing a pass you can’t expect to win Friday night’s game
with a 35 yard pass to the open receiver on the 5 yard line (WOW! That sounded
so much like I know what all of that is.)
2 Timothy 2:15 NAS
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman
who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
If you never read God’s word you can’t expect to stand
against temptation. Fight the easy temptations so you can win against the
bigger ones. Work hard! You want to be the bigger guy. Practice.
If you aren’t kind to people when it would be easy to do so,
how can you expect yourself to treat them with love when they treat you badly? Work
hard! Practice!
How will you give an answer for the hope that is in you? Study.
Work hard! Practice.
1 Peter 3:15 NAS
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being
ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the
hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
If you only show up on a football field on a Sunday
you aren’t going to be very good at football. If you only worship God on a Sunday you aren't going to be very good at worship. Practice! (worship during the week) That means spend time in prayer, Bible reading and singing praise and worshipping on your own during the week.
Bottom line: To be in shape physically, mentally and
spiritually
Work hard!
Practice.
Pray.
Read your Bible.
Share your faith.
Worship.
Practice.
Work hard!
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