Lesson from Super Bowl LI

Last night, like millions of Americans around the world, I watched the Super Bowl. Many watched it for the commercials while others used it as a time to celebrate with friends. 

The game between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons was a game that will go down in the annals of the National Football League as "epic". The Patriots staged a comeback that will be talked about for weeks. Instead of salvaging the game and trying to put some points on the board, the Patriots were resolute in their goal. They were going to win and they did. They tied the game and then won in overtime. What a comeback!

As Christians, we can easily see the parallel in our lives. As we strive to perfect our faith and remain a servant of God, we must keep our eyes focused on the prize and dedicate our lives to being a "good and faithful servant" of God. The lessons of Christ teach us that we must avoid temptation and live a righteous life. Like the football players, we must constantly practice by exercising our faith, doing what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Thinking about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Paul reminds us of this so many times in his letter to the Philippians. In Chapter 3, Paul says that we must forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead, and to press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, calls us (v. 13-14). 

The Patriots did not concentrate on the point deficit, but rather the task ahead of them, winning. We need to do the same in our lives. Forget the past, concentrate on the future and task ahead and press on to reach the end of the race.