I know God like’s baseball but remain unsure about His equal love for football.

Each year we celebrate a new beginning with football—the second national sport. Even though there is no Shortstop, I do like college football. Elvis Presley had it made on New Year’s Day with his media room and its bank of televisions.

There is an intrigue about the college game and about young men learning required discipline.  The college game fights against multi-million-dollar contracts and the high-profile display of the professional player raised in poverty who makes sure all know he has arrived.

Shortly, after Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy, I had the good fortune to be present with him on a couple of occasions in small group settings at the Washington Hilton in our nations’ capital. What caught my attention was two items.

First, I am always thrilled to see someone who grew up as an expatriate in a missionary family. He was a MK—a missionary kid. Second, his explanation of why he chose football intrigued me. The game and the potential for big bucks wasn’t the main attraction. He reasoned that in our culture, it would give him a high profile to highlight the message of Jesus. Since God gave him athletic ability, he would prepare himself for God’s open door.

It encourages me to see college players like Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, and others humbly use the football platform to tell of Jesus who they serve.  When moving on to pro football they continue to give God credit for their talent and continue to be consistent in their walk with Jesus.

It is fun to watch such young men enjoy the opportunity of playing before a national audience on New Year’s Day. It also makes me assess the opportunities God gives me to tell others of Jesus. The size of our platform does not matter. How we use our God-given gift does.

I will enjoy the Bowl Games. However—as I begin a new year—I want to remember who makes the calendar possible and who gives me life to enjoy football. I want to remind myself again of God’s priorities for my life.

I am to love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind. I am to love and do my best to help others. I am to remember that it is Jesus’ Holy Spirit living inside of me making it possible to connect with God and my neighbors.

As long as God’s priorities  drive my life, I suspect it is fine to enjoy football and I know God would have me enjoy baseball along the way.

May each of us thank God and serve Jesus with everyday we receive in this New Year.

Stay tuned.  – Gary J. Sorrells