Football and Jesus?

There are probably several reasons that my MSU Bulldogs don’t win more football games – including the fact that Mississippi is a small and poor state with many universities, and MSU has the lowest athletic budget in the conference. But here is one reason that may even be more important.

Inside sources (K and R) tell me that one of Alabama coach Nick Saban’s keys to success involves getting in the heads of players (in addition to having a “billion” dollars for staff, facilities, referees*, etc.). At Bama, players expect to win. Saban and the players expect perfect execution by everyone. They expect to be #1.

Conversely, MSU players and fans have often been heard saying things like –
Well, we played hard…
At least we kept it close…
But our defense looked good…
Wait till next year…

The humble goals and expectations of MSU football often involve going to a bowl (any bowl), not finishing at the bottom of the SEC, and of course, defeating TSUN (the school up north – aka Ole Miss).

As the Dogs gear up to face Florida tomorrow in the Swamp, the main challenge of MSU coach Dan “the Man” Mullins is to get in the heads of his players – Expect to win. Perfection in passion and execution is possible.

What in the world does this have to do with Jesus and me and you?

As Christ followers and communities of Christ followers (churches), we can easily adopt a loser or good-enough mentality. It sounds like this – At least I’m better than she is. Our church is doing more in mission than that church. We are doing better than we did last year. Our congregation is pretty old (or poor or whatever).

But how does the Lord of life and the Church see us? Perhaps Jesus wants to get in our minds with words like this.

You are my child. You are created in my image. I have equipped you to successfully perform everything I have called you to do.
I have chosen to use you in my global mission. No matter who you are, you can impact the world as you run with Me in ministry.
This journey will cost you plenty, even your life. But you will be blessed one day to hear me whisper, “Well done, good and faithful servant…”

No bets on the game tomorrow. It will probably take a Lazarus-type miracle for the Dogs to gobble up the Gators and give them their third loss in a row. But the score will largely be determined by the attitude and expectation of the men on the field.

Football and Jesus. It’s something to think about.

Go Dogs!

*KIDDING ABOUT REF’S. JUST A LITTLE SEC HUMOR…