-
-
-
Does God care about football? Justin Forsett Contributor @JForsett RSSThe Sporting News June 7, 2014 10:05pm EDT Justin Forsett is a running back for the Baltimore Ravens and contributor for Sporting News. Follow Justin Forsett on Twitter: @JForsett As a Christian athlete, I often get this question: Does God care about football?
Justin Forsett, pictured with the Jaguars (AP Photo)My response: How big is your God?The question in itself suggests that God is small and has too much on his plate to worry about football. I could never understand how somebody could believe in an all-powerful all-knowing God and believe there are certain things he just can’t handle. Football is a profession that is played by people, and God cares about people and what they do.So yes, I think he cares about football just like he cares about teachers, doctors and custodians. However, on the flip side, I’m not in agreement with the notion that God is up in heaven wearing a specific jersey rooting for one NFL team over another. If he does wear a jersey I hope it’s a Ravens one, because I would really like to win a Super Bowl before I retire.In all seriousness, I don’t believe God shows favoritism toward organizations or teams. Besides, one of the advantages of the faith is knowing that win, lose or draw, God has a purpose behind it all. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that [a] God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” I have grown the most in my life and profession after great losses so, as believers, we can have great peace in knowing that adversity can be used for our greater good.I think the reason people have a hard time accepting that God cares about football is the fact that they forget the sport is actually an occupation. I understand we get paid to play a game, but it’s how we make a living. My typical workday schedule is loaded like most Americans. For example, my typical schedule looks like this:— Wake up at 6:30 a.m. — Lift at 7 a.m.— Grab a little breakfast at 7:45 a.m.— Special team meetings start at 8 a.m.— Team meeting at 8:45 a.m.— Offensive meetings (install plays/watch film) at 9:15 a.m.— Go outside for a walk-thru practice at 11:15 a.m.— Lunch and get dressed/taped for practice at 12:10 p.m.— Practice starts at 1:15 p.m.— Post practice meetings at 4:15 p.m.— End of the day at 5 p.m. Justin Forsett (AP Photo) Being a professional football player is more than fame and fortune. The job can be highly stressful, life altering and dangerous. Players suffer head trauma, brain injuries, and paralysis in the profession. I share all this to say it's more than just a game — this is our livelihood, and this is what we do to provide for our families. We sacrifice time and risk our bodies/lives. So why wouldn’t God care?There is a Bible verse in the book of Colossian that reads, Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. As a Christian football player, work is more than just collecting a paycheck — my profession is a way to honor and worship God. I aim to play and work in such a way that pleases him. When I’m on and off the field, I want to embody the characteristics of Jesus Christ.This doesn’t mean being a Christian equates to a soft player (see Reggie White or Brian Dawkins). It means I want to represent power under control. While I’m on the field, I want to be relentless. I want to play at a level at which my competitor is unwilling to match, and I want to give all that I have not for man’s approval, but for a higher purpose — another reason I believe God cares about football. It can be used as a vessel for his glory.I am now going into my seventh year as a player in the NFL, and I'm truly blessed to have a job I love. I believe we all have God-given gifts and talents, and I know God cares about how we use them. I don’t think it matters if you’re a nurse, flight attendant, cook or football player. God cares about what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.It’s crazy to think that just because you play a sport for a living God doesn’t care about your profession. A passage in Luke, Chapter 7 states, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” After reading this verse, it’s hard to believe an attentive God that cares about the number of hairs you have on your head wouldn’t be concerned about your profession.If your occupation is a football player or truck driver, God cares and you matter. -
-
Post count: 2169
He can be gentle as a butterfly and then murder scores of non-believers at the drop of a hat…he’s the perfect middle linebacker. Here’s a picture I drew of him…
-
Post count: 503
-
Post count: 2775
-
Post count: 512
-
Post count: 1455
-
-
Post count: 1455
-
Post count: 395
-
Post count: 122
-
Post count: 95
-
Post count: 11045
-
Post count: 2775
-
Post count: 8096
-
Post count: 9891
-
Post count: 10626
-
Post count: 2015
-
Post count: 396
-
Post count: 8983
-
Post count: 2603
-
-
Post count: 3028
-
Post count: 3027
-
Post count: 4140
-
-
Post count: 8983
This figurine is not in my man cave for no reason ....
He really needs to fix that handoff...
-
Post count: 472
-
Post count: 9891why does anyone care if another person believes in God?
-
Post count: 11045
-
Post count: 2601
-
-
Post count: 2601
-
Post count: 3027
-
Post count: 2603
This figurine is not in my man cave for no reason ....
Holy cafeteria Christian Batman!
-
Post count: 472
-
Post count: 512
-
Post count: 1419
-
This figurine is not in my man cave for no reason ....
He really needs to fix that handoff...
Two different helmets? Obviously Jesus made the Pro Bowl. No idea how with that hand positioning though. Jesus, right hand high! Yes, YOU Jesus!!!
No He does not. He cares for people. People play football and some of them He cares about.
Well does he, or doesn't he?'People' play football, ergo, he cares about them all. Right?God is NOT picky IMHO. He cares about us all.
If they exercise faith in Him and His son whom He sent forth.
Wait... Now they have to do calisthenics too?#ConfusedMuch?
go watch PASSION OF THE CHRIST and then tell me if God "cares" about football
Gains empirical evidence from a piece of shiete Mel Gibson movie? Really? Just wow.(Change username to OneImbecile) SMHI LOVE God. It's his fan clubs I can't stand!
-
Post count: 11045
-
Post count: 11506
This figurine is not in my man cave for no reason ....
That is one nice figurine , bro . Where can I get one ??
-
Post count: 11045
-
Post count: 11506
-
Post count: 3028
-
Post count: 11506
-
Post count: 2594
This figurine is not in my man cave for no reason ....
That is one nice figurine , bro . Where can I get one ??
The shark has just been jumped
-
-
Post count: 2603
-
Post count: 1419
-
Post count: 11506
-
Post count: 1419
-
Post count: 2603
-
Post count: 4140
-
Post count: 11045
-
Post count: 4140
-
Post count: 11506
-
Post count: 2601
-
why does anyone care if another person believes in God?
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
