Date: 9/4/2007
<br>Author: Devin Pickard
<br>Title: September 4, 2007
<br><br>A little over 8 miles separates the Universities of North Carolina and Duke.  In a recent poll by ESPN, the “Tobacco Road” basketball rivalry between the Blue Devils and the Tarheels was recognized as the third greatest North American sports rivalry of all-time.  Having said that, I think that Carolina and the Dukies have met their match.  No, I’m not talking Vandy and Tennessee, ‘Bama and Auburn or the Yankees and the Red Sox.  This goes much deeper than those trivial games.  I’m talking Red and Blue.....Eagles and Bulldogs.....West and East.   After years of much anticipation,  it’s finally here.....East Hickman High.  Boy, talking about “let the games begin”.  Last week, the Eagles traveled down Highway 100 to Centerville for the first ever high school volleyball match between the two schools.  The Eagles came out victorious, 3 games to 1, with all 4 games being separated by only a couple of points each.  As big as it was, the most impressive thing about the whole deal wasn’t the game at all.  There were probably  400-500 fans at the match.....remember, a volleyball match.  I’m told by those in the know that there have been entire seasons that didn’t have a combined attendance like that, much less one game.  The match referee mentioned the fact that he had been to many volleyball state tournament matches with no where near that many people in attendance.  It was truly an exciting atmosphere....faces painted, loud cheering, banners and the whole bit.  Can you imagine what it will be like during football and basketball seasons?  As long as people can keep this whole rivalry thing in perspective and remember that these are just kids playing a game, I think it can be a good shot of community spirit and pride in the arm for everyone involved.  <br><br>Wouldn’t it be great if we could have the same type of spirit and pride for our Lord and his Church?  I don’t know many people who would get up before daybreak and drive several hours to a Church service.  I dare say there are a bunch of “Christians” who read far more Athlon’s or Sports Illustrated’s than they do God’s Word.  Many of us will clear out four-hour blocks in our schedules to watch our favorite team on television but can’t seem to find a couple hours on Sunday to devote to worship.  We will spend a tremendous amount of money on team merchandise and tickets, only to give God whatever happens to be left over.  Again, it all goes back to perspective and realizing what is most important.  <br><br>Don’t get me wrong, I’m as big of a sports fan as anyone else.  But the team I should be cheering for the most is the Christian Team.  I should be rooting on my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I should be out in the community recruiting players for the greatest team compiled in the history of teams.  I should have the same excitement and dedication that Paul and Silas had in that prison cell.  I need to be as zealous as Peter was when he came to the defense of his Savior and friend.  I need to be as unflappable as Daniel and as determined as Abraham.  I need to play through pain and injury.  I need to stay focused, driven, and faithful.  Unlike golf or tennis, this is a team sport.  It is NOT every man for himself.  When one teammate is down, the rest of the team needs to pick them up.  That’s not just sportsmanship.....that Biblical. <br><br> In the end, it won’t matter whether you were a Volunteer or a Commodore, a Bulldog or an Eagle.  The only thing that will matter is if you looked at life through non-biased lenses and carried out the game-plan of the Almighty...... “seeking and saving the lost”.  In the Christian game, the chant should not be “We’re number one!”  No, we should be shouting from the mountain top, “We are following THE ONE!”  If you haven’t already done so, join HIS team.  No doubt, Bulldogs and Eagles can reside in heaven together.<br><br><br>Go the extra mile - Devin    <br><br>