Practice to WIN! -- Those Poor Centers

Saturday, September 25, 2010
Read 1 Timothy 4:-16 and 2 Timothy 1:6
By Sandra K. Wade

A few seasons back Jason was watching the Heisman Selection show on television. The Heisman Trophy is awarded for the most outstanding college football player. (That much I knew. I still remember all the press when Herschel Walker won back in the 80’s.)

As Jason was watching, I began to question him about certain aspects of the award. I learned that usually the award goes to players of certain key positions like quarterback or running back. That just didn’t seem right to me. My football knowledge may be limited but common sense tells me that it takes a team of gifted players to give those Heisman nominees a chance at winning the award. I did some research. Of all the winners listed not once has a safety, tackle, nose guard, tight end, kicker, place holder, long snapper, kick returner, punter, upback, gunner, wedge buster, or center been selected as the Heisman Trophy winner. Statistically, if a player wants the Heisman he better hope that he isn’t assigned the job of center. Yet, try to get the play off with a poor snap. I’d say a great center is very important. The center must practice to be the best he can be.

If you are a Christian you have been given gifts to equip you to work as a part of the body. Like the game of football, the body of Christ has many different positions. Some positions will be easily visible and even have a certain prominence about them. Yet, it takes the whole “team” working together to be victorious. Each position is important and may require specially designed practices.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
If you are a Christian, do you know what your Spiritual gift(s) is?
Are you using your gift for the good of the team or for the “Heisman trophy”?

Applying the Truth as a Church
What would our team look like if every player gave their all while “playing” their position?