It’s that time of year again – football season. All across the country, stadiums are filling, bands are playing their fight song, teams are suiting up, and fans are wearing their colors with pride. There’s something about the start of a new season that gets people excited. Every team starts with a clean slate. The mistakes of last season are gone, and every team starts at the same place, 0-0.
But what most fans don’t see is the price that’s already been paid before the first kickoff. For the players, their season started months earlier—with training, practice, conditioning, and preparation. Every sprint, every drill, every hour in the weight room, every moment watching film and reviewing plays was in preparation for their moments on the field.
Our Christian life is much the same. Paul often compared following Jesus to an athlete in training. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul said, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” Just as a football player can’t expect to succeed without discipline, neither can we expect to reach our full potential in Christ without commitment and discipline. Prayer, time in God’s Word, worship, and fellowship with other believers are like the practices that strengthen us for the “game days” of life—moments of testing, temptation, and trial.
Football also teaches us about teamwork. A quarterback can’t throw a touchdown without his linemen blocking, receivers running routes, and coaches calling the plays. Every position matters—even the ones that aren’t in the spotlight. In the same way, God calls us to be part of His team—the church. Each of us has a role to play in His Kingdom, and when we work together in unity, we see His mission move forward.
But there’s another lesson from football: sometimes you fumble. Sometimes you miss the tackle. But the game isn’t over after one mistake. The question is, will you stay down, or will you get back up and keep moving forward? Our walk with Christ is full of moments where we stumble. But God’s grace allows us to start fresh, to get back in the game, and to keep pressing on toward the ultimate prize—eternal life with Him.
Northside Baptist Church
4347 Sunset Blvd, Lexington
Sunday Service: 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am
Life Groups: 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am