I have always been amazed by the Christian spiritual language used in football (if you are American, we are talking soccer!). Look at the following headlines and comments:
“The resurrection of Diego Maradona”, Financial Times. Christianty talks about the resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Incidentally, it is in Maradona’s home country where they have a gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer, the only human who has ever been resurrected to live forever.
“Messi on a mission”, FIFA.com In Christianity we talk of missions.
“Maradona says I'll snatch glory”, Daily Star. Well, from Christian perspective only God has and deserves the glory.
“I touched Thierry Henry’s hand, I know it is not like touching God, but it is close to it” Fan at the airport when France National team arrived in South Africa for 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“Football is not a matter of life and death, it is more than that”. Jose Mourinho, coach of Real Madrid. We believe Christianity is a matter of life and death. Christianity is about how to obtain life and avoid death in Jesus Christ.
There are many such quotes made by footballers, coaches and fans alike. One of the telling scriptures in the Bible is Rom 1:20. In essence, it says that everything is spiritual, the universe and all that is in it. I believe, this includes football!
“20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (Rom 1:20)
From a Christian spirituality point of view, let me tell you about the 5 things that I believe football can teach us.
Firstly, in Christianity, ALL Nations are Included. FIFA has 203 member countries; the UN has only 192 member countries. All countries on earth are members of FIFA, the Football Association. Talking about Christianity, Paul says ““There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female. For you are ALL one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)
He also says, “In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in ALL of us.” (Col. 3:11)
Secondly, in FIFA, all members are ranked according to their performance. When the FIFA World Cup was hosted by South Africa in 2010, South Africa’s ranking was 90. Due to the improved performance, South Africa’s ranking has improved from 90 to 38 in the last few weeks, due to South Africa’s improved performance. Using the apocalyptic language, John wrote these words of Christ to Christians, “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” Rev. 22:12 In Christianity, those that work hard get their rewards, and football reminds us of that.
Thirdly, Jesus’ reward is an eternal prize. “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (1 Cor. 9:25-26) Paul says we do it for an eternal prize. Therefore when I see Messi or Ronaldo’s discipline, it reminds me of the prize I am after.
Fourthly, all humanity watches the “game”, and will witness the prize-giving. As I write this, Barcelona and Manchester United FC will be battling it out for the European Champions league on 28 May 2011. It was estimated that more people will watch that game than those that watched the final of the FIFA World Cup in 2010. In 2010, 26.3 million people were expected to watch the 64 games, that’s 410 mill or 7% of humans today.
However, the Bible tells us that when Jesus returns, “All the nations will be gathered in his presence” (Matt. 25:32) It will not be only 7% of humans watching. All humans will be watching the final of humanity, the prize-giving, and gnashing of teeth by those who would have lost the ultimate prize.
Fifth, but not least, Christianity is a team sport. Christians exist as part of the body of Christ, the Church. They are a community. They do not exist as individuals. Their success is in the community. Their growth is in the community. Paul reminds us that even as we strive for our prize, that “the prize is not just for me but for ALL who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
In football, 11 players are in the field in any given moment. Each one of them has a specific role. The church functions in the same way. There are many members of the church. Speaking of the church, Paul puts it this way:
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” (Rom. 12:4-8)
In any football game, the players that play as a team win. I have seen many teams comprising highly talented players, but they loose nonetheless. When you analyze the game, you realize that individual players wanted to shine alone, and when that happens, nothing comes of it.
As you watch your next football game, remember these lessons from football. The 90 minutes of football need not be time wasted for Christians. They can be your Ahaa moments of Christian spirituality. Enjoy the game!
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