Alabama – 21; LSU – 0! With that the University of Alabama wins the national championship of college football for the second time in the last three years. Auburn University won the title last year, meaning that the State of Alabama has produced the national champions of college football for the last three years in a row. Additionally, the Heisman Trophy winner for two of the last three years has come from Alabamaand Auburn. All in all, not too bad, not too bad at all!
I love college football! I think it is the most exciting spectator sport in the world. Over the years, I have attended a number of games in person. I have now reached the age where I prefer to watch them from the comfort of my Lazy-Boy recliner, only a few steps from nice, clean, un-crowded restroom facilities, and "free" concessions! Last night's game was a great one – if you are an Alabama fan, as I am. I was not optimistic going into the game that "we" could win. Both teams are strong on defense, and during the regular season LSU had prevailed 9–6 in a defensive struggle in which not a single touchdown was scored by either team. I anticipated a similar contest last night. And, as those who watched the game know, no touchdowns were scored in the first half. But Alabama wound up dominating the game offensively and defensively, kicking five field goals and scoring one touchdown to produce the final score.
Football was not known in Bible times, but athletic events were held. The Olympics are of ancient origin. The apostle Paul often alluded to such. "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. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things [that is, they undergo rigorous training and exercise great self-discipline, hf]. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we [Christians] an imperishable [crown of everlasting life, hf]" (I Corinthians 9:24-25). The writer of the book of Hebrews urged Christians to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). As Paul neared the end of his life he confidently affirmed, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (II Timothy 4:7). Given his penchant for athletic metaphors, I have no doubt that if the apostle Paul lived today he would be a fan of college football and likely would root for an SECteam—probably either Alabama orTennessee! J
But football is not life (though, obviously, for the professional players it is their livelihood). It is a past-time. It is a game. I know people who seemingly do not understand this. They live and breathe football (or sports in general). As diversion, sports are fine. As an all-consuming passion, they are a terrible misplacement of priorities. Jesus said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). There are those who spend large sums of money following their favorite college and professional teams and have little interest in or concern for things of a spiritual nature. How sad!
The Christian life is not a sprint; it is not to be lived in "fits and spurts." The Christian "race" is a marathon. It begins with conversion to Christ, consummated by being buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). From the time of one's baptism until the time of one's death commitment to Christ is required. "Be faithful unto death," said Christ, "and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
To be national college football champions is a marvelous achievement. All Alabama fans can (and should!) relish the moment. But it all fades, and next year a brand new season will start all over again. However, nothing compares with "the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12), and who demonstrate that love by living for Him (John 14:15).
Hugh Fulford
January 10, 2012
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