Date: 10/7/2008
Author: Devin Pickard
Title: Stay in the game
No.....you are not dreaming, though I'm sure you have probably been thinking the same things I have. You would have assumed that pigs would have a better chance to fly with the eagles.....that you would be able to travel down to Miami, Florida and buy a dozen snow balls from a street vendor.....or that you may have seen Elvis shopping in the automotive section at Wal-Mart recently. Surely most of us would have thought we would have a much better chance at witnessing the events above than the ones that have transpired the last few weeks.....but alas, you are not dreaming. And if you still think you are, let me be the proverbial cold water in your face or the pinch on your arm.....YES, the Vanderbilt Commodores are on top of the college football world (technically #13 in the nation), but on top of the world nonetheless. Now, before I continue, I will let you go outside to check and see if any pork ribs are flying above your head.
Founded in 1873 and located on 330 acres in the heart of Nashville, TN., Vanderbilt University has been known for a lot of things over the past 135 years, but football has not been one of them.....until this year. The Black and Gold are currently 5-0.....on top of the SEC East Division.....and looking for their first trip to a bowl game since Whit Taylor lead the 1982 Commodores to the Hall of Fame Bowl. For most of its existence, Vanderbilt has been heralded as a stellar academic institution who just happened to also have a football team.....but those days.....at least for now, are in the past. Anyone who lines up in a four-point stance across from this year's team will have to take them seriously.....they are for real.
When it comes to Christianity, do others think that you are just a “cupcake” on the schedule.....that they don't have to really take you seriously....that they can focus more on their next encounter with a “real” Christian rather than someone who is just playing the part. You see, many of us are like the Vanderbilt football teams of the past. Saturday after Saturday, with good intentions, they would put on their pads and helmets, walk on a field of green that was 100 yards long, and toss around an oblong, brown ball with laces. Oh sure, there was the occasional win.....but with no consistency. Every now and then there would be flashes of brilliance, but those moments would be short lived. I know many folks who have good intentions of being the type of saved individual that they read about in God's Word. They show up on Sunday morning with all of their gear on.....they seem to have a good working knowledge of the rule book.....they look like what we think a Christian ought to look like.....sound like what a Christian ought to sound like and every now and then show that they have the ability to get the job done. But, when crunch time arrives.....and when only the strong, faithful and prepared will survive.....these “Sunday” Christians are no where to be found. The trenches at the line of scrimmage suddenly become vacated and the sidelines become full again. But even Vanderbilt had this one figured out.....you don't have a fighting chance of winning unless you are on the field for the full four quarters. I know that sounds elementary, but you would be surprised at those who think victory can be their's without being in on one single play.
The next time you get a chance, read Matthew 25:31-46. Christ essentially says that in order to “win” as a Christian, that we have to be in the game. We can't stand on the sidelines or sit in the stands, watch others put forth effort, and expect to reap the same victory that they earn. And remember, past reputation and victories have no bearing on the present game or future ones. Other teams (Satan) will not just lay down and quit because we were once successful in the past. Just ask that orange team to the east of us. (I am so sorry....please forgive me....I couldn't help myself)
Go the extra mile - Devin