Friday Night Lights

Last weekend my two football teams, the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs and the Baylor Bears, both suffered narrow defeat in pretty much the same way. Their opponents ran down the clock with their last possessions and pulled ahead, leaving only enough time for the Bulldawgs and the Bears to stage hurried, last ditch, heave-ho efforts to pull off something mighty. Both attempts resulted in interceptions by the other teams.

In both instances, with about three minutes left on the clock, it occurred to me that our guys on defense should just get out of the way and let the dreaded touchdowns happen. Both opponents had convinced me that not only would they reach the end zone, but that they would do so at glacial speed. Why not let them have their momentary glory, but save enough ticks on the clock for a non-hurried offensive drive of our own, and possibly snatch that glory right back to its rightful owners??

This type of logic is precisely why Bulldawg coach Jack Welch will never let me be a part of his coaching staff. No matter how much I want my Bulldawgs to win and no matter how many wannabe coaching schemes I come up with, I know in my heart I will never, ever be more than a spectator to the sport. I swallowed that pill a long time ago.

Harder to choke down, though, was when the members of the weekly Bible study group my husband and I belong to decided to continue meeting on Friday nights throughout the fall. On DAWG NIGHT. Not only would my strategic coaching input continue to be stifled, but my ritual of cheering on the team and following the action via our colorful Copperas Cove radio commentators would be squelched, too. Only the tail minutes of each game would remain for me to listen to during the drive home from our study.

Surprisingly, this arrangement has not been at all painful for me. In fact, I can truthfully report that what has been illuminated under Marc and Anne's dining room chandelier, has been more action-packed and exciting than anything I have ever witnessed under stadium lights. I wouldn't trade this Friday night venue for all the games in Texas.

For one thing, our study repeatedly drives home the point that God invites me to participate with Him. Now, I know God doesn't need me any more than Coach Welch does, but he offers me the privilege of taking part in His work and He gives me the power to do it. And unlike a football game, the action doesn't end when the evening is over, but actually begins as I put into practice what I've learned.

Bible study wins out over Friday Night football in other ways as well. As much as I love the Bulldawgs, my zealous desire for them to do well has no impact on their performance on the field, and my wishful thinking has no effect on the final score. I really am useless to the game of football. But not so on God's playing field. The Bible tells me that the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much, and Jesus said that if I have faith the size of a mustard seed I can move mountains. Wouldn't that give the pep squad a reason to shout?!

Just as I can do nothing to change the outcome of a football game, a game has no power to change me. Win or lose, when I get up the next morning I'm exactly the same person I was before the kickoff. But a single encounter with the living word of God can change me forever. In fact, the Bible tells me to be transformed, and urges me over and over to press on to maturity. God may not toss down a DELAY OF GAME penalty flag if I fail to get anywhere in my Christian walk, but he definitely rewards my forward progress.

In short, our Friday night Bible study is a winning proposition because the six of us enjoy spending time in God's word and with each other. But I think the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs have it pretty good, too. Every week they get to put on the uniform and play football under lights, AND, day in and day out, they get to experience Jack Welch's mentorship as he teaches and models what it means to follow Christ.

I'm positive the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs will take care of business, as expected, in their next game. And the Baylor Bears against the Texas Longhorns? Well, they could use our prayers.