Lessons We Can Learn From Football

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

Paul often used illustrations from sports to make powerful spiritual points. Just like athletes fight for a Super Bowl trophy, you are running for something far greater. You are running for an incorruptible crown. That prize will never tarnish or lose value. It will shine for eternity.

Think about football for a moment. The goal is to keep moving the chains toward the end zone. Victory is found when you cross into that space. Spiritually, life works the same way. Your journey is not a mad dash to the finish line. It is a steady, intentional movement in the right direction. Step by step, decision by decision, you keep advancing toward the life God has called you to live.

But just like there is a rule book in football, there is a rule book in the Christian life. In the NFL, break a rule and the official throws a yellow flag. The chains do not move forward; they go backwards. Spiritually, your rule book is the Word of God. Break those rules, and you lose ground in your walk with Christ.

One penalty in football is called holding. Hold too long and you push your team in the wrong direction. Spiritually, God says there are things you cannot hold on to - unforgiveness, bitterness, immorality, anger, and every kind of impurity. Colossians 3:5 says you must put those things to death. Let them go. If you hold on to offense, it is like the monkey trap described in the book “The Bait of Satan.” The monkey reaches in for the bait but refuses to let go, even when danger is coming. Offense is Satan’s bait. If you cling to it, the enemy can chain you, defeat you, and rob you of blessing.

Another penalty is unsportsmanlike conduct. Colossians 3:8 says to put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language. Heaven notices how you speak and respond. Even when provoked, your reactions can either move the chains toward victory or send you backwards. Stay in the Word. Play by the Book. 

Let go of the things that slow you down. 

And keep moving the chains in the right direction toward the end zone of God’s purpose for your life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for calling me to run this race for an incorruptible crown. Help me to let go of everything that holds me back, especially unforgiveness, bitterness, and offense. Keep my heart pure and my speech honoring to you. Teach me to follow the rule book of your Word so that I keep moving forward toward victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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