Chips, dips, wings, chili, veggie trays/fruit trays (just so you can say you had something healthy)…these are the foods that go well with football games. In the last 3 weeks, some of the most exciting football games have been played. The NCAA Football National Championship, and the NFL Super Bowl.

Even if you aren’t a football fan, you know when these games are on the horizon. Entertainers, celebrities, military personnel, fans, and even politicians get in on the hype leading up to and during the games.

But THIS YEAR, there has been another player! The King of kings and Lord of lords has been put front and center as the key player of all these games, in more ways, by more athletes, than I ever remember! Even the sports commentators have been baffled by not only the faith of many of the top athletes in these games, but also by the players’ bold declarations. Whether winning or losing they claim that their identity isn’t in their talent, their being ranked the best of the best, or their winning, but rather their identity is in Jesus Christ. He is the One who tells them they are valued and special regardless of their worldly success. The players know Jesus has given them this high-profile platform to make HIS name famous!

The apostle Paul stated what these players are living out: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes”. (Romans 1:16)

What about us? Do we use the talents and abilities that God has gifted us with to proclaim the love, joy, and freedom that people can experience through a victorious life in Christ? If we are working for others, do we work as if working for the Lord, and not for men? If we are leading others, do we lead in a way that honors Jesus and points others to Him? Do we recognize that where we are and what we do is a platform to share the good news of all that a relationship with Jesus offers?

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Whether the football players who have a relationship with Jesus win or lose on the field, they will stand together as victors with Jesus now, and in heaven, because He has overcome not only death but everything in this world that tries to defeat us! Stand with them! Join Jesus’s winning team!