For the Love of the Game

Last week, my wife and I were riding in the car when we began talking about the sports we use to play growing up. I don’t know how we got on the subject but it is always fun to reminisce, isn’t it? As I talked to my wife about the “glory days”, I talked about how I would pride myself on the injuries I sustained while playing the sports I loved. Bruises, strains, sprains, and even broken bones were received like a badge of honor in my book; the greater the pain the greater the honor. It was all worth it for the love of the game.

Once we were home, and long after that conversation ended, I started thinking about all that I had put myself through for the sports I played: the vigorous workout schedules, broken bones, blood, and tears; I had to ask myself, “what do I have to show for it?” Yes, I have some great stories and memories, some trophies that are collecting dust somewhere, and some friends from teams of old that I still keep in touch with, but I am not making a living playing those sports that I spent hours and hours working on every week. In fact, those sports don’t play a major part in my daily life anymore, if any part at all.

After that realization, I then turned to an even tougher question: “Compared to sports, how much effort have I put into my faith?” The answer scared me. I have wrecked myself for a game, but could I do the same for Christ?

Somehow people have come to believe that Christianity is a simple thing and takes very little effort on our part. Just be nice. Smile. Go to Church and you should be good, right? I know I grew up with that philosophy when it came to how I approached my relationship with God. However, our faith requires so much more. To follow Christ is challenging. It is radical and counter-cultural. Following Christ will lead to immense joy and peace of course, but it also leads to hardship and persecution. This shouldn’t be a shock to anyone, Jesus said it himself when he declared, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Lk 9 23).

When we are challenged on behalf of our faith will we give up because things get too tough, or will we push through the struggles and hardships?

Could we stand as faithful Christians even when those around us are pressuring us to do otherwise?

Can we accept oppression, sufferings, or humiliations for the faith, knowing that Christ suffered for us on the cross first?

Lastly, we cannot forget the hopeful message that Jesus preached: “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great” (Mt 5:11-12). The difficulties that we face in this life because of Christ will not be forgotten in the next. I used to think the scars I got from playing sports were cool; I can’t wait to see the reward that awaits us when I reach the pearly gates.