“Everyone loves a comeback story, and everyone loves the underdog as well. I kind of feel like I’ve been the underdog. Hopefully that inspires people to not give up on themselves and their lives and not give up on their dreams.” ~James Arthur
For those who truly get into the game, I am sure that last night’s Super Bowl left many elated while still others quite crushed. From what I understand, the New England Patriots were coming into the game clearly expected to win. The Philadelphia Eagles were hoping for a win, one that they have not had for a long time. But most people who set the odds did not foresee any kind of win for the Eagles.
But the Eagles went out there, gave it their best, and came out of the battle victorious. At the half, their coach indicated that they had a rough second half coming up and, if they wanted to win, they were going to have to continue giving their all.
Now, do me a favor. Substitute “world” for Patriots and “Christians” for Eagles. If you do so, you have the story of our life. Christians live a counter-cultural life. We stand for everything that the world denies. We are called to stand against the world, to fight the values of the world, and to put on the values of Christ.
Some would call us fools. Most would definitely call us underdogs. The worldly people who set the odds would set them in favor of the world.
We are living in the second half. Jesus gave us the lead when He destroyed death and restored life. While on earth, though, we still need to struggle against the world and head for the ultimate prize: heaven. The struggle will not be easy. We are clearly outgunned. And if we want it, we are going to have to “stay on our game.”
That means that we have to love in the face of hate, espouse life in the culture of death, exude hope in the midst of hopelessness. We are the underdogs. Let us acknowledge it and wear it proudly. Onward to the victory we go!
FAITH ACTION: Do not give up on your dreams. Do all that you can to serve the Lord and do not pay attention to those who claim that Christianity has no meaning.