Let the Game Begin - an analogy of the Christian fight for righteousness
I can see this work we do with God as the drive a football team makes for the goal-line. The football game scenario seems to work quite well for comparison. The apostle Paul used Olympic Games as a comparison in his time also. He said, "I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done." Philippians 3:14
In football there is the coach, who surveys the field and sees what needs to happen for the team to reach the goal. He sets the pace and instills the vision of victory in his players. He has checked out the other team, run the numbers, strategized and utilized all his resources. He is sure of what he needs his team to do in order to win the game. There are the assistant coaches. They confer with and work beside the coach, to unify the team' efforts.
They are interested in the specifics of how the players work offensively and defensively. They work with the players to train and equip them for the specific plays they need to run in order to move the ball to the end zone. They push the players to exceed what they think is their limit and build them up physically and mentally for the game. They use methods that continually build up the players to be the best they possibly can. They always have the goal in mind and work to find ways to achieve the prize.
Then, there is the kickoff and the receiving team who catches the ball and brings it as far as they can, up field towards the goal. They are the first ones on the field to set up the advantage of the offensive push to the goal. They never know what is going to happen and they have to be light on their feet and quick thinking because they don't have time to strategize the play. They have to respond to the kick whether it is off-side or a high long kick into the arms of a player about to be pummeled with bodies of several very large, weighty guys. They have to be working as a team to quickly evaluate the moves of the other players and protect their teammate who is carrying the ball.
There is the first string offensive team that runs the plays the coach signals them to run and they charge forward to the goal. They sometimes run and sometimes throw the ball down field to a player who has worked into a position of advantage. Each play advances them forward, closer and closer to the goal. Each man works with the others to move the ball closer and is ready to sacrifice themselves for the protection of the one who carries it. They have practiced and prepared for these moments. Their eye is single and the unity firm in working together on the one objective before them.
There is the defensive team that needs to come in to recover ground that was obtained by the opposing team. Their goal is the same but only in a different direction. They want to recover the ball and get it moving in the opposite direction. To take back what is rightfully theirs. To recover what was taken from them and to get the action moving quickly the other way. They watch carefully all the players of the opposing side and formulate moves that will dislodge the ball from their grip. They charge into the midst of the opposing forces with war cries of victory and move people aside to find the one with the ball. They are focused and unified to do the job right. Once they have recovered the possession of the ball they quickly hand it off to the offensive team and the action is realigned with their goal. Each team moves against the other and there is a battle that ensues for control. But only one team can be victorious. So the battle continues.
There is the second string offensive team that relieves the first string players when they need a rest. The second string players must know all that the first string players know and they must be prepared to enter into the battle and fight with the same charisma the first string does. There can be no weaknesses found by the opposing team for if there is, the opposition will find it and take advantage of it. The cost is great and the pressure intense. When the plays are called, they must do their job with precision and gusto. They are in every way the first string players replacements in order for their teammates to be able to rest and regain their strength.
There are the cheerleaders and cheering section who gives their all to encouraging the team to victory. They rally with the players and follow their every move. They cry out the charge and embolden the player' hearts with calls of support to let the players know they are there for them. They feel the players struggles and grimace at setbacks but hold on to the hope for the victory of their team. They cry when someone is hurt and they rejoice with a touchdown. Every move and action is as much a part of them as it is for the rest of the team.
There is the background team members who make sure the players have their equipment, Gatorade, dry towels, patching up of wounds, mending of equipments and cleaning of the uniforms. Everyone has their job to do and they do it for the same reason the players are. There is the band that plays the trumpeting of charge and keeping time with the motion of the players and cheering to play the music that encourages and drives the spirits forward with hope to victory. Each and every player and support person is working towards the same goal, the prize and the trophy of great accomplishment.
We have a similar objective to those who are playing football in that we have our eyes fixed on a goal also. However, our goal is the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. We are the team and support people who are just aching to get into the game. We have been practicing and preparing for this time and we just can't wait to get the opportunity to get in there and fight the good fight!
I hear the music playing and the crowds cheering. I see the lights glowing and smell the aroma of excitement wafting out towards us. I sense the electrical charge in the air for the souls that are collected together to bring about this great opportunity to play and win. Expectation is all around us. Young people are playing and practicing on the sidelines and men are preparing themselves for the work. Minds are being honed. Wills are waxing firm and strong. Hard work is being invested in the practicing of caring and loving with strategies to overcome the opposition and win the battle for righteousness. We are ready. We are willing. We are able to do this thing we have been made for. We are waiting to hear the call of our coach telling us to "Get in there and give it all you've got!"
