Am I a Participant or a Statement-Maker?

The football team of the University of Alabama will be playing for the national championship tonight. (I can almost hear the “Roll Tides” from some of the readers of these words now.)    

Before the non-sports fans among us quit reading, this post is not about football. It is not really about any sport for that matter.

While the idea came from a quote made by the head coach of the Alabama football team, the application is about a philosophy of life. More specifically, it is about how I see my role as a child of God.

Just after Alabama won the semi-final game, I watched a television interview with their coach. The reporter reminded him that his team has lost the semi-final game last season. He was then asked what the difference was in that game and the game this season which his team had won convincingly. 

I found his response fascinating, interesting, and challenging. He said (and I think this is a direct quote), “Last year, we just sort of participated. This year, we made a statement.”

As I listened to his response, I thought that the first part was basically “code” for: “We just went through the motions last year. Our hearts were not really in it.”

I’m wondering if people who know me see my concept of Christianity as “just sort of participating.” As they observe how I choose to use my time, talents, and energy, does it look to them as though I’m just going through the motions? 

Even if I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, is it evident that I am motivated by a sincere love for the Lord and burning desire to please Him? After all, Alabama ran plays, made tackles, and did all of the other things a football team normally does in both games. According to their coach, the difference was in attitude and effort. 

It might be a good idea for all of us to look into the mirror. Much more than an athletic championship is at stake.

In the words of the apostle Paul (who used athletic analogies): “…Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (1 Cor. 9:25, NKJV).

In the final analysis, there is really no such thing as not making a statement with my life. I am making one every day. Others are observing every day. The Lord is observing every day.

What kind of statements are our lives making?

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