FOOTBALL: The God of America

I always thought that America was too involved in football. In Romania only men really care about sports. I was so surprised to see women being so involved in sports here and especially such a "manly " sport. I come from a different culture and so when I say "manly", I mean a sport that it would be pretty tough for women to play. In my opinion, let the men do it, because all that pushing and tackling I would not want. They have more strength than I do.

I was listening to the pastor at the church of BrookHill here in Birmingham, AL and he is so sold out. He has a book out called Radical. Pastor's name is David Platt. He is so young and he is sold out for Jesus. I heard him say this: " Who cares about football. Who cares about who wins when we have brothers and sisters in other countries that are dying for Jesus...waiting to be executed even today because they believe in Christ?" He is teaching his church to sell everything and go missionaries. YES!!!

I agree with him. Football( an not just football) has become an idol to many Americans. I have seen people that will not come in for Bible Study because they have to stay in the car to hear that score. Others are distracted during the study or ministry we are doing because the football game is on. And yet others will not even show up to do what Jesus commanded us to do because the game is ON.

As pastor David says, " Who cares??!!!" In light of all that is happening who cares about something so temporary? Lives are on the line.Their souls are on the line.

Everywhere I look the church is not the church anymore. Very few believers here and there are obeying the Master. Very few understand what it means to wake up in the morning and " be about His business". We just rush to our jobs, back from our jobs and just to start all over next day.

Well, I am not here to want to make you feel bad. I know people need money and need to take care of their families, but somehow I believe we allowed money and things that are not important take priorities in our lives and the Gospel is not preached.

You probably say, " Well, there are a lot of preachers on TV". Yes, there are. But this is not about them. This is about YOU. God placed you on this Earth on a mission to change this world, but you got distracted with the things the world likes. "Well, doesn't God want us to be happy?" I really believe He wants us to be joyful. As a matter of fact wherever there is no joy, that means there is no Spirit. Galatians 5 says that the fruit of the Spirit is JOY. So, if there is depression, then the Spirit is not there. That is NOT His fruit.

We all have a mission. You were placed on this Earth with the talents and gifting you have to fulfill His will. And I believe it is more than football. I believe it is more than money. Now if you believe you reach people who watch football to be focused on the Kingdom, then go for it. But most of us are sucked into this game so bad. Saturdays are our days off and instead of taking the time to visit a nursing home, talk to a neighbor, go take some food to a needy family, etc. on that day, we are "glued" to our chair watching football or another sports and eating and eating. The Sunday we quickly go and give God about 3 hours and our week starts all over.

Some of you understand what I am saying. Some of you want more and you just do not know how to get out of the rut and live out your dream; you just want to live out who you were created to be. That is why I am writing this article. Please look under RESOURCES and I am going to give you some links to some people to get their material. They will teach you practical ways to succeed. Please just give them a chance. It will blow your mind! I promise!

I am a practical person and I believe people need practical help, not just talk. So, these people can do it. Learn from them and live out who God created you. The nations are waiting. Will you say yes?