The talented young quarterback led his team down the field and into the end zone for the winning touchdown, just as time expired. The excited crowd cheered wildly. Some of them rushed onto the field, creating chaos as players, coaches and officials tried to make their way to the locker room.
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In the midst of the pandemonium, the sideline reporter worked her way through the fans to get to the star of the game, the quarterback. She grabbed him by the arm, pulled him in front of the camera and caught her breath as she asked, “What does it feel like to win such an important game?”
The young athlete flashed a wide smile and replied, “First of all, all honor, glory and praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
And there it was. A Christian witness to a television audience of millions. A public profession of faith uttered boldly and unabashedly. It takes a certain amount of courage for a public figure to do this.
Among the vast audience who watched, there will, no doubt, be objectors. Some will be public with their criticism. “Leave religion out of sports,” they will say.
First priority
They don’t get it. A Christian’s relationship with Jesus is not compartmentalized. At least it shouldn’t be. All we have, all we are and all we can be are in Jesus’ hands. It is entirely appropriate to thank Him for our blessings, and to give Him first priority.
I am a huge football fan. I watch many games. I have noticed that acknowledging Jesus has become a bit of a trend in post-game interviews. I’m seeing it more and more. That’s incredibly encouraging, and it should be inspiring for all of us. If these players can have the courage to put their faith on display in front of millions, surely we can find the resolve to witness to those around us who need to hear it.
We’ll probably never be on television with an audience of millions, but if one witness can lead one person to salvation, the angels will sing and, most importantly, God will be pleased.
Who would have thought it? Christian witness is becoming trendy. It’s time to join in!
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and an award-winning columnist for numerous publications and websites.
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