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FIRST PERSON: Coaching men to worship the true God by Brett Maragni Date: Nov 13, 2009 |
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP)--On a recent trip to Chicago, I stood inside the NikeTown store on Michigan Avenue’s famous “Magnificent Mile” and read these stunning words on the wall:“In Europe, they say you can tell which city you are in by looking at the church spires. Here in America, it is much the same; visitors need only look to our stadiums -- our cathedrals of sport -- to orient themselves. “This is nowhere more true than in Chicago, where these venerable structures stand not only as landmarks, but as stone and steel testimonials to the power of sports. Like those churches of Europe, each possesses its own recognizable characteristics. And like those churches, each is a place of worship. “NikeTown Chicago is dedicated to the same spirit of reverence that built those edifices, and which moves us to gather together to watch full-grown adults at play.” At least Nike is honest. The truth is that for a lot of men in America, their relationship to their favorite sport borders on idolatry, or is patently idolatrous. But instead of cursing the darkness, perhaps the better thing to do is look for ways to help men make the transition from worshiping the gifts (recreation, competition, athleticism, games, etc.) to worshiping the Giver. One way of doing that is pointing to shining examples in sports. Coach Joe Gibbs is such a man. The former Washington Redskins coach has already established his legacies when it comes to games and races: three NFL Super Bowl championships as a head coach and three NASCAR Cup Series championships as an owner. While he continues to pursue more success at the racetrack, he is also seeking to build on his most important legacy: God working through his life to influence his family for Christ and to use his platform of success in sports to influence a generation of men to follow Christ. Gibbs recently launched a new Web site: www.gameplanforlife.com. At this site he has gathered a team of Christian leaders to contribute insights in their areas of expertise, including Chuck Colson, Ravi Zacharias, Ron Blue, Josh McDowell, Randy Alcorn and Os Guinness. These men provide guidance on various topics of Christian living such as salvation, sin and addiction, finances, health and career. The issues addressed at the Web site were determined by the top needs men expressed in a nationwide survey. Along with the Web site, Gibbs and his team have released a new book, “Gameplan for Life,” from Tyndale. What excites me about the book and the Web site is the effort to point men to God’s Word. As Tony Dungy states in the foreword to the book, “As a Christian, I agree with Joe that the best playbook for life is the Bible.” If you are a Christian man, consider pointing some of your unsaved friends to www.gameplanforlife.com. Or get a copy of the book, which includes a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Take advantage of your common love of sports and point someone to the Savior. --30-- Brett Maragni is senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel of Jacksonville, Fla. His Web site is www.pastorbrett.com.
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