The Quarterback and the Christian
It has been said that the quarterback position is the most complex and important in all of team sports.
Although only a few individuals worldwide possess the skill to succeed as an NFL quarterback, any Christian can leverage the challenges of this role to aid them in their spiritual journey.
First, Christians fight a daily spiritual battle in this world. Some days they may face a first-and-10 situation. Other times it could be second-and-1, or a seemingly hopeless third-and-25 mess.
Like the quarterback, the Christian comes to the line of scrimmage and assesses the defense’s alignment. It’s important to understand if the defense shows a blitz. This means the believer must be prepared for an aggressive assault. However, the Christian must not relax if he perceives a soft zone. When a Christian relaxes, the spiritual forces of evil can exploit his vulnerability. (Ephesians 6:12)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Once the ball is snapped, the Christian must make quick decisions like the quarterback. Here’s an example. A Christian man walks into the room where his wife is sitting. She says something that he takes the wrong way. The Christian man falls into quickness of anger.
This is like the quarterback who is under heavy pressure. He has an open receiver, but fails to see him because of his inclination to avoid the pass rush. The quarterback runs away from the pressure and throws an incomplete pass. This is like the Christian who fails to see the way of escape because he’s focused on defending himself. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Yes, incomplete passes happen many times in every game. It’s part of the game and no big deal. But an incomplete pass isn’t necessarily minor to a quarterback striving for greatness. The quarterback wants to complete every pass, even though he knows it won’t happen.
This is how the Christian should approach life. The goal is to complete passes, avoiding sin every single time. But the “playing field” is fast and treacherous, and the Christian will never have a perfect game. Still, it remains the goal.
So how does a Christian give himself or herself the best opportunity to succeed? Just like the quarterback, the Christian practices. The Christian studies his “playbook,” which is Scripture. Knowing the playbook will better prepare the Christian for life’s challenges.
For example, a quarterback who knows the correct responses to an all-out blitz will have a better chance to succeed against that type of attack. A Christian who faces a major blitz in life can handle it with more grace if he has a multitude of Scripture at his disposal.
Also, quarterbacks create muscle memory and strengthen their arms by throwing footballs repeatedly. Christians practice reading Scripture, applying it consistently throughout the day. This keeps the Word of God fresh and accessible in their minds.
If a quarterback practices his skills, he increases his power base. For the Christian, the power comes from the Holy Spirit. Through practice, a Christian learns how to avoid quenching the Spirit. Four short verses in 1 Thessalonians (5:16-19) are helpful.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.”
The Christian rejoices and prays consistently, remembering to give thanks. These things help the Christian avoid quenching the Spirit.
For both the Christian and the quarterback, it’s an ongoing process. There’s no level of attainable perfection.
But there are a couple of big differences between the quarterback and the Christian. First, the quarterback’s physical abilities will eventually break down and he will no longer be able to play the position.
However, a Christian can get better no matter his or her age. A Christian’s best days can come in their 90s or beyond.
Second, the quarterback strives for a perishable wreath, but earthly rewards are not the goal of the Christian. The Christian desires to please the Lord. The goal of the Christian is to walk daily with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16)
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
The verb “walk” in that verse means continuous action or habitual lifestyle. The spiritual defense never rests. Therefore, the spiritual quarterback can’t, either. (Colossians 3:16)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
The quarterback wants to perform well to help his teammates, seeking victory for the team. It’s the same for the Christian. But victory doesn’t come on the scoreboard. Victory comes when a person repents. (Luke 15:7)
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
