Faith & Football

When I was a little boy, I always knew when Alabama lost. I didn’t always know when they had won unless it was to Tennessee of in-state rival Auburn, but boy, I always knew when they lost. My father is an extremely passionate man. When Alabama had a good day, so did he. When Alabama lost, things weren’t pleasant.

My dad has since calmed down, and he no longer gets too caught up in all of it. Last night I got to sit beside him and watch my beloved Crimson Tide win their third title in four years.

Just before kickoff, my dad commented, “Man, I am so sick at my stomach right now.”

So was I. Never in a million years would I think that my team would be doing what they did last night. Sitting through all the coaching changes and scandals and suspensions and 6-7 seasons, I never though I’d see the Tide high ever again. I was wrong. And for that I’m thankful.

It got me thinking about what our faith hinges on. What do you place near and dear to your heart? I’m an Alabama fan much more than just watching them play football. I’m an Alabama fan because that’s who I am and where I’m from. But the most important reason I watch Bama is because my family does. I can share that with them. It’s most certainly not our only common bond, but to me, it’s an important one.

But as important as Alabama football is to me and how excited I get about it, it’s not the most important thing in my life. I see, last night especially, that it is the most important thing in some people’s lives. My faith in God does not hinge on Alabama football, nor will it ever do so. My faith in God is infinitely more important than any game played on a field.

Where we place our faith - where we let our faith reside - will determine who we are. Alabama football will not get me to Heaven. Just like making money or having a great career or excelling in any part of life, none of those things will get me to Heaven. Only God’s true and living Word should be the guideline for my life.

I guess I thought about all this because I need to be brought back down to earth, so to speak. When things are going well - when our team is on top - it’s easy to rest and be happy and forget how God has blessed us. But we can’t do that, just like we can’t forget how much He loves us and how much we need to serve Him.

God Bless you today. And Roll Tide.