For many years, our family has enjoyed attending West Virginia University sporting events. We have tailgated, cheered on our team, and sang Country Roads after victories. The sporting events were a wonderful thing, but to be honest, it was always the time with my family and friends that was most important.
Recently, I was in Morgantown when the men’s basketball team had a home game. Jimmy, my oldest son Cole, and I donned our blue and gold and headed to the coliseum. We have had season tickets since the boys were in middle school and it was wonderful to be back in the familiarity of a WVU basketball game. I was enjoying the nostalgia of the competition, the pep band, pepperoni rolls being thrown to the spectators…..while only the faces had changed the many traditions continued.
Our team was doing quite well, we were actually winning. It was midway through the second half when I asked my son, “how good is Iowa State (the opposing team)?” He proceeded to tell me the opponent was ranked #2 in the nation. Their only loss being to the #1 team in overtime.
What?! This game had much more at stake than I realized! This win would be a big deal for our team! It all took on more meaning! Suddenly I felt myself cheering harder…..standing as the time ticked down…..rooting for my Mountaineers to get the upset…..pulling for my team to get the victory! I went from the fan calmly encouraging my team – “great shot…..nice play…..” to the fan on my feet – “grab that rebound…..hustle…..yay!”
The game came down to the final tick…..our team was triumphant! The Mountaineers had pulled off the upset! The students ran onto the court to celebrate with their team as the band began playing Country Roads. Hearing our “anthem” brought tears to my eyes…..it felt good to be home.
As I reflected on the evening and the game, it occurred to me how my enthusiasm and intensity increased when I realized what was at stake for my team. I became so much more excited – standing and cheering.
If high stakes increase our intensity and excitement…..why are we so calm and complacent about our faith? What higher stakes could there be than eternity? Do we really want to wait for the final tick of the clock to be sure we are triumphant? If we celebrate our sports teams, why wouldn’t we celebrate the Creator of the Universe? if we are on our feet cheering for something as simple as a game, why aren’t we on our feet praising the King of Kings, who shows up for us every day? If we raise our hands and cheer when our team scores, why wouldn’t we raise our hands and cheer for a Savior who gave His life for us?
We have the opportunity to be a part of the best team – “Children of God”. As a member of God’s team, we have already won the game. We are promised a winning season in eternity. We will win the championship when we are in God’s presence. This is worth getting excited about!
Next time you rise to your feet and clap your hands for your team…..ask yourself, when did I last rise up, give thanks and praise the Lord.
Because your love is better than life, my lips glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands! Psalm 63:3-4
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Psalm 103:1
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1
