Playing the Game

"Referee! Are you blind? That was never offside!" Unless we live a very isolated existence I am sure we are all aware of the World Cup. Regardless of whether we watch any of the actual matches we are constantly bombarded with the event, via the media, and even in the super market we are encouraged to buy certain products offering the possibility of winning world cup tickets. Despite the many unsavoury aspects of football (which often hit the headlines) there is much to be commended in the competition. Commitment, team work, pride in one's country and discipline are still part of the game - qualities often sadly missing when we look around us.

Interestingly when we open our Bible we find many similarities between football and God's message! Imagine it is the date of the world cup final - a closely fought match has been played( I won't say by whom) and with minutes to go the captain of one side picks up the ball and throws it in the opposing team's net. Would he be a hero? No, he would rightly be sent off. The reason for this is, he has broken the rules laid down by FIFA. The Bible tells us that God has laid down rules for daily living, but unfortunately all of us have broken them and we, like the guilty player deserve to be punished. Thankfully it also tells us in the Bible that it does not finish there - God sent his son Jesus. He did keep the rules, and through his death, he paid the punishment for those who would believe in him.

At the start of the match 22 players march onto the field - but the game cannot start yet, why not? The reason is that each game must have a referee to ensure the rules are followed, and where necessary, players are disciplined. In the Bible we are taught that in life we have God, one who watches over mankind. Just as in football the referee's decision is final, so too is God's judgement.

Do you consider yourself free to do as you please or do you recognise in God a higher authority who knows you better than you know yourself? After all in football, players may not like a referee's decision but they have to submit to it, besides they knew the rules before the game commenced - they cannot plead ignorance. Part of being a Christian is submitting to God's plan even when we do not fully understand. We recognise that God always wants what is best for us, so it makes sense to do his will.

Consider again the players of each team - they need to be at the very peak of fitness and sustain high levels of concentration for the full 90 minutes of the game. The Bible also talks about fitness in a spiritual sense. This is not achieved by regular visits to the gym but begins with the recognition that we are spiritually unfit - the Biblical term is sinners. We can only achieve spiritual fitness by confessing our sins and, by faith, trusting that Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. When we do this we not only have our sins forgiven but we will receive the gift of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to daily serve God, not just for 90 minutes, but for the rest of our lives.

Lastly, what is the main objective in football - the obvious is to score a goal (and not let one in) so we can win matches. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, also referred to the goal of the Christian life - not a golden trophy but something much more precious - eternal life in heaven.

Soon the world cup will be drawing to a close - as the winning medals are handed out consider what are your goals in life. Do you long for a flash car, a well paid job, or like Paul is your goal to serve the Lord Jesus - the reward is eternity with Christ