FAITH AND FOOTBALL
When it comes to mixing Christ and life, Dungy got it right.
It was an historic moment in the world of sports when Tony Dungy hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy last month. After leading his team to victory in Superbowl XLI, the Indianapolis Colts coach made a remark before the millions watching the postgame celebration that was moving to some, provocative to others. Reflecting on the fact that he and Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith were the first black coaches to meet in the prestigious NFL final, he said, "I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this. But again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."
A few columnists and commentators criticized Dungy, finding the expression of his faith on one of the biggest public states in the world to be irritating and problematic. Robert Paul Reyes, in an article titled, "My Advice For Tony Dungy: Don't Mix Religion And Sports," wondered why God would have any interest in who wins a football game and objected to the linking of faith and football. But like others, he missed the point. Dungy was not suggesting God gave him his offensive scheme or that Jesus made the Bears' quarterback Rex Grossman throw the interception to Kelvin Hayden that sealed the victory for the Colts. Though some may pray for divine intervention to produce a specific outcome in athletic competition, that does not appear at all to be the kind of thing Dungy had in mind.
Dungy and Lovie profess to be Christians, and Dungy is respected as a man who lives in harmony with that profession. He does not use foul language or raise his voice when coaching. He worships regularly and prays with his team. He believes that fidelity to God and family must be our top priorities. When he spoke of playing football "the Lord's way," it appears he meant that one does not have to be vulgar or abusive to coach and play well. When the two coaches met on the field for the big game it was proof that one can live a godly lifestyle and be successful, when in the sometimes coarse world of professional sports. Honorable achievement in one's profession does not require compromising biblical convictions. In that sense, Dungy and Lovie showed "you can do it the Lord's way." And while those who understand the teaching of the New Testament on the plan of salvation and the Lord's church would not agree with Dungy's denominational doctrine as to what exactly constitutes being a faithful Christian, we can respect Dungy for being unashamed of his belief in Christ.
When people suggest, as Reyes did, that it is improper to "mix religion and sports," they fail to understand the nature of the Christian faith. Being a disciple of Christ is not something we can compartmentalize, as some try to do, separating it from other aspects of their lives. In fact, when we belong to Christ, there are no "other aspects" of our lives. He is "our life" (Col. 3:4; Gal. 2:20) and in all we do we are guided by His will and seeking to honor His name. "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father though Him" (Col. 3:17). "Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31). It is politically incorrect to mix faith with sports, politics, career, etc. But when the world objects to expressing our faith in public or allowing our beliefs to shape our lives outside of Sunday morning at the church house, it betrays an ignorance of what it means to follow Jesus. To suggest we shouldn't mix, in any way, our Christianity with a particular part of our lives is to say we shouldn't mix religion with life. That would make our religion pointless and our lives meaningless.
(To be continued next week.) -Tyler Young
Baptism
We were made to rejoice on Wednesday, March 14th when Macee Lane put on Christ in baptism. We know the angels in
Heaven were singing and also rejoicing as we welcomed a new sister in Christ.
Sympathy
Sadie Jackson passed away this past week and her funeral was held on Tuesday, March 20th at Sunset Gardens.
Sadie was the mother of Betty Lewis who is the sister-in-law to Wilene Wright. Our sympathy goes out to this family.
Current Concerns
Nancy Taylor had a slight stroke and is in Medical Center Hospital in room 939.
Jean Hambright fell here at the church building on Sunday morning, March 18th. Most of her injury was to the lip area
and she had to go to the hospital's emergency room where she was treated and released. Jean received about twenty stitches.
Jennifer Arbuckle, granddaughter-in-law of Bill and Fran Arbuckle was released from the hospital on Monday, March
19th. She is to have complete bed rest due to complications with her pregnancy. However, her blood pressure has been
stabilized for now.
Amaleta McCright, an elderly aunt of Fran Arbuckle who lives in Rotan, Texas is experiencing failing health at this time.
Mildred Morgan, aunt of Susan Simmons fell and broke her hip. Mildred lives in Mesa, Arizona.
Isabel Chacon, mother of Javier, Robert and Ruben Jr., went to Houston for tests.
Prayer List
Mark Brewer; Charles Chism, Fannie Copeland; Jewell Dennard, Doug Duncan; Harvey Garvin; Burt Groves; Thelma
Henry, Mildred Heslip; Marion Lee; Justine McCollum; JoAnna Minter; Wilma Mitchell; Ruth Norman; Jim Reyna;
Patsy Sanchez; Janelle Shirley; Jim Weaver; Clay Wilkerson, Nell O' Beth Willoughby; Charles & Delora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Sharon Fisher; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Lela Jo McElroy; Virgie Price; Charles and
Pearl Tucker
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's
topic will be titled, "The Worship of God"
The Cherokee Home for Children will be hosting their annual grocery drive on May 26th. They have requested the
following items: laundry stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, (no aerosol cans).
FYI
Odessa Christian School has an opening for a full time Day Care Worker. The hours are 10:30 -5:30 Monday through
Friday. The salary is $7.50 per hour. If any one is interested please call the school (362-6311) or apply in person at the
school.
Stacy Ruckman is in need of a babysitter. She has a 3 year old and a 5 year old. If you are interested please contact
Stacey or Patsy Mitchell.
Thank You
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. How sweet it was coming home from afar to a mailbox overflowing with love
and sympathy, precious peace, joy and comfort as we read each and every one (they are still coming our way.)
We thank our Great God for our dear blessing from above by allowing you to be a part of our lives and the strength
and encouragement we gain by knowing you...Thanks beyond expressing as that much thanks and love in our hearts
for you is beyond expressing. (Phil 1:3) James and Joyce Drake
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of March are Devida Montgomery and Glenda Hillis.
We have printed more directories and placed them on the table in the east foyer. If you did not get one already, you may
pick one up.
Note a change of telephone number for Roylyn Shirley. Her new number is 332-1557. Please correct your church
directory
| March 25, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Announcements | Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
| Song Leader | Ronnie Lane | Cameron May |
| Sermon | Burt Groves | Burt Groves |
| Opening Prayer | Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
| Scripture | Jack Wright | Cameron May |
| Second Prayer | John Wood | John Bethune |
| Closing Prayer | Charles Watson | Mike Roemisch |
| Lord's Supper | ||
| West | Jr. Munoz Jeff Wesson C.M. Riggs Bill Bayless |
Marcus Crain Jeff Wood |
| East | Roelf Ruffner Johnny Warren Ronnie Lane Tony Marrs |
Trini Wood |
Other Responsibilities:Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Jeff Wesson --
Pulpit: Scot Straw ~ Table: Richard Siler ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM ~To Be Announced
Sunday PM ~ To Be Announced