An American Holiday

The first Sunday in February should be an American holiday. Not only would it celebrate an American invention and tradition but it would highlight our shared belief that grown men should basically kill each other over an inflated pigskin. Now, of course, this year (as a Bills fan through and through) the best outcome of the game would be a double loss but I have found the silver lining: As you watch this game – notice what the guys on one side of the field have in common.
Underneath the uniforms, not much; they are from different parts of the country, went to different schools, have different goals in life, and different opinions on life in general. One thing keeps them together on that sideline. They are one the same football team. They may not agree about anything else -- but on that field they live and die for each other and for the game they love. The game is the main thing.
Now, before you watch the game – notice what the people sitting around you in church have in common. Underneath their faith, not much; they are from different walks of life, different backgrounds, their education is different, and they have different opinions on the church carpet and the pastor. One thing keeps us together in that church. We are on the same spiritual team. We may not agree about much -- but we love Jesus, our Savior and our God, and want others to love Him too. The King in the main thing.
As much as I love it, football is not forever and the unity a team once had is always left back in the glory days. This weekend two teams will come together with great determination and unity of purpose. They will play their hearts and souls out to win a game that – ultimately – doesn’t matter. But our faith in Jesus Christ is eternal and our glory days are ahead of us. The “game” we are playing for the souls of men and women matters forever – why can’t we come together with unyielding fortitude and unity of spirit?