In the sport of American football, there is a great deal of talk about statistics. Team stats, player stats, coach stats, et al. Once in a discussion of player stats with friends, I noted, “Statistics do not win football games; however, in winning football games, statistics will be produced.”
The Christian life has oft been compared to athletics: Running (1 Corinthians 9:24–26; Hebrews 12:1–3; 2 Timothy 4:7); Boxing/Fighting (1 Corinthians 9:26; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; Jude 3); Athletics and Competing for a Prize, in general (1 Timothy 4:8; 2 Timothy 2:5; Philippians 3:12–14). Let us consider a few athletic principles that apply to the Christian life and connect them to the central focus of statistics.
TEAMWORK. Thinking less of individual statistics and more of unity, teamwork, and what the church accomplishes together benefits not only the church but every member of the church. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
EXECUTION. Indeed, teamwork does not happen without individual responsibility and execution. Remember “Statistics do not win football games; however, in winning football games, statistics will be produced.”
Individual efforts in worshiping, teaching, baptizing, edifying, and encouraging are beneficial to the whole of the church. May we each be doers of the Word for God’s glory, and not our own. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
FINISHING. No amount of worshipping, teaching, baptizing, edifying, or encouraging helps one’s soul if the one doing so does not remain faithful.
It is possible to save others and end up lost (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). Let us all conclude our Christian lives like Paul: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
Many principles in athletics remind us of Christian duty. However, “they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Corinthians 15:57–58).
Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. For free Bible Correspondence Courses and In-Person Bible Studies, Emailus@coldwatercofc.com, or call us at 662-622-7951
